Commissioned by Sydney Philharmonia Choirs for its centenary in 2020, Human Waves – composed by Elena Kats-Chernin AO with libretto by Tamara-Anna Cislowska – will receive its world premiere in full concert format at the Sydney Opera House on Saturday 9 September, 2023 (tickets sold out) with Tamara performing at the piano, as part of the orchestra, supporting the Choirs.
The performance will be recorded live by ABC Classic FM and is scheduled for broadcast on ABC Radio in their Lunchtime Concert series on Sunday 19 November, 2023. The concert will also be featured in ABC TV’s 7:30 Report in the context of the Sydney Opera House’ 50th birthday celebrations in October 2023.
In what will undoubtedly be an epic concert, other works in the program include Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, and Murrgumurrgu by First Nations artist James Henry.
From Limelight magazine: “Human Waves is a cantata in nine movements which pays homage to Australia’s rich migrant history. Says Kats-Chernin, “It was to be a piece representing the patchwork of our society. All the nationalities from all over the world in a snapshot.” Its stories take us from the beauty of the landscape, in Continent of Light, through the belly-laughs of Kupal’nik surpreez (a Russian migrant’s disbelief at seeing the bathing beauties at Bondi Beach), to the icy terror of boat people at sea (To and Fro).
As well as honouring what unifies us, (Citizen) it also invites us to chuckle at ourselves (Ode to the salty paste – a tribute to Vegemite).”
Read more about the work in an interview with Elena Kats-Chernin and Tamara-Anna Cislowksa here.
Date: Saturday 9 September, 2023 at 2pm
Venue: Sydney Opera House Concert Hall
Tickets: sydneyphilharmonia.com.au/concerts/2023season/carmina/