Australian Youth Orchestra
Exploring Identity and Sound with Molly Joyce: A Conversation on Creativity, Loss, and Rediscovery
Ahead of our concert Fresh Beats and Brilliance, we caught up with Molly Joyce, whose captivating work is featured in the program. This concert showcases our Momentum Ensemble, composed of Australia’s finest young musicians, as they explore the realm of contemporary classical music. Together, they amplify diverse voices and tackle challenging, inspiring works. Joining them is Claire Edwardes, Australia’s “sorceress of percussion,” (City News, Canberra) serving as mentor, soloist, and ensemble director.
Set against the dreamy sculptures of the McClelland Gallery in Langwarrin and at Southbank’s Malthouse Theatre, this concert promises to be an electrifying experience. Molly’s works spark a dialogue about creativity and identity as a disabled artist. Her chamber piece Lost & Found embodies a regimented groove that reflects the complexities of loss and rediscovery.
What inspired you to write Lost & Found, and how does it reflect your personal experiences with loss and rediscovery?
Lost and Found is inspired by the idea of constantly losing and finding yourself, and how this idea can fit into a regimented rhythmic structure, similar to that of a regimented daily schedule. When initially asked to write the piece for the Echo Chamber Ensemble, I knew immediately that I wanted to feature the incredible bassist Tristan Kasten-Krause, and somehow represent the bass instrument lost at first and by the end of the piece eventually finding itself.
How has your experience with disability shaped your approach to composition and performance?
My disability has shaped everything and anything about my interaction with music and art overall. Although it took me a while to publicly embrace it, I believe my experience with having a disability has formed my music to be more physical, vulnerable, and emotional.
What kind of conversations do you hope to inspire among audiences after they experience Lost & Found?
I hope to inspire conversations that talk about the unexpected. The unexpected prominent role of the bass in the work, and the unexpected descent in range from the high to low melody by the end of the piece.
What are some upcoming projects or themes you’re excited to explore in your future work?
I plan to explore the resonances of key locations in disability history by sampling impulse responses from these sites. This will serve as the foundation for creating new musical and vibrational material, which will be shared both at these locations and online.
Read more about Molly and her work here.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Molly’s work in a program of living, breathing music. Book your tickets today!
Saturday 16 November, 7pm
The Malthouse, Merlyn Theatre
Melbourne / NaarmSunday 17 November, 2pm
McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park
Langwarrin / Bunurong Land