Trial by fire – sax player and composer Matt Keegan on working with Jenny Eriksson

by philip | Dec 11, 2014 | Blog, Commissions and New Music, General, Non classical music

It takes courage to step outside the boundaries of a successful career in a musical genre and perform in a very different setting, on stage, in front to an audience. Gambist Jenny Eriksson has decided to do just that. When Jenny expressed an interest to play with...

In Celebration of Crystal – The Marais Project at 15

by philip | Nov 21, 2014 | Blog, Commissions and New Music, General, Marin Marais, Maris Project Concerts

In wedding terms ours is a Crystal Anniversary: more distinguished than Wood (5) and Tin (10) but still many years from receiving a letter from the Queen or even the Governor General. I appreciate the opportunity of sharing my thoughts on the last decade and a half....

Re-Imaginings: Marais Project Concert Program October 26, 2014

by philip | Oct 23, 2014 | Blog, Commissions and New Music, General, Marin Marais, Maris Project Concerts, Non classical music

The theme for The Marais Project’s 15th anniversary year is Re-imaginings.  During the year we are taking the opportunity to re-imagine the viola da gamba in a range of settings from Rameau and Marais to world and improvised music. After I formed The Marais Project in...

Re-Imaginings III – a conversation with pianist and composer, Matt McMahon

by philip | Oct 5, 2014 | Blog, Commissions and New Music, General, Maris Project Concerts, Non classical music

When Jenny Eriksson formed The Marais Project in 2000 the term “project” quickly evolved to mean more than just the idea of playing all the viola da gamba works of Marin Marais – which was and is the key focus of the ensemble. As Jenny’s musical tastes evolved it was...

Re-Imaginings II – with bassist and composer, Siebe Pogson

by philip | Oct 5, 2014 | Blog, Commissions and New Music, General, Marin Marais, Maris Project Concerts

The Marais Project largely focuses on viola da gamba music from the French Baroque and particularly, on the music of Marin Marais. We have always engaged in “side projects”, however, including commissioning new Australian works for the viola da gamba. In addition, we...

Re-Imaginings – with composer, Paul Cutlan

by philip | Oct 5, 2014 | Blog, Commissions and New Music, General, Maris Project Concerts

Composer and horn player, Paul Cutlan, is very well known to Australian jazz audiences and has a growing reputation as a composer. Paul has previously performed with and composed for viols when he worked Jenny Eriksson and the “Seaven Teares” viol consort in 2012....