Preludes and Nocturnes welcomes the listener into a sonic environment that evokes Bach and Chopin through to Philip Glass, Steve Reich and John Cage. A cascade of pieces – varying from one, two or three performers – unites with stunning visuals by projection artist Jim Walter in a breathtaking and transportive experience.
Preludes and Nocturnes explores unfolding ideas in a post-minimalist sound world. It will premiere as part of Midsumma at Hare Hole, Hares and Hyenas Wednesday 6 until Friday 8 February 2019.
Composed by PJNoack for three keyboards, accompanied by hypnotic projected imagery. Performed by the composer with well-known Melbourne performers and musical identities William Elm and Gareth Wiecko,
A diverse cycle of pieces for one, two and three keyboard players, Preludes and Nocturnes reflects on being alone, being together; and what these mean when everything around us is changing.
PJNoack is a Melbourne-based composer, performer and producer. His highly original music reflects a diverse range of influences including classical, experimental, minimalism, blues, pop and electronic. He studied at both Elder and Melbourne Conservatoriums.
As a producer, PJ’s work has had a strong focus within the Deaf, disabled and mental health communities and he continues to proudly work in this capacity.
Noack’s career has seen him working with many artists across a range of projects and include: percussionists Vanessa Tomlinson and Fleur Green; pianists Fiona Corston and Chris Martin; Syzygy Ensemble; Zephyr Quartet; Restless Dance Theatre; curators Paul Greenaway and Stephanie KabanyanaKanyandekwe; Hossein Valamanesh, Stelarc, Mat Fraser, Quentin Kenihan and more.
William Elm is an independent accordionist, experimental avant-composer, and instrumentalist powerhouse. He utilises folk/keyboard instruments in styles that break stereotype to create intricate and compelling minimalist music. Elm’s composing career has seen him release debut album Metamorphica,2016 followed by Spectrum, 2018. He has also composed music for two Melbourne independent films, Highly Recommended; Raymond Taylor.
Alongside composing, William is also an accomplished accompanist. Since 2010 he has performed with many cabaret stars such as Amanda Palmer, Brendan Maclean, Kate Miller-Heidke, The Jane Austen Argument, Mikelangelo, and Mama Alto.
Gareth Wiecko was born in Wales and fell in love with Melbourne while busking his way across Australia. Captivated by classical music, Gareth embraced the piano from childhood. After completing his ABRSM and a Bachelor of Music at Cardiff University, he left Wales to explore the world. Collaborating endlessly along the way he explored a plethora of styles, eventually settling in Melbourne.
Influenced by film and emerging media, he released his solo piano debut album Notes to Self in 2011, documenting his experiences and encounters as a traveller and musician. Having composed music for several film projects, Gareth is eager to direct his energies to interactive media and so has returned to university to study production and composition at AIM Melbourne.
Jim Walter is an Audio-Visual Artist/Engineer based out of Melbourne, Australia. Over the years he has worked with artists including De La Soul, The Dirty Three, The Hilltop Hoods, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, The Pharcyde and Will Oldham. He uses old and new techniques, blending creativity with technology in order to push the boundaries of sight and sound.
Preludes and Nocturnes by PJNoack premieres as part of Midsumma at Hare Hole, Hares and Hyenas 63 Johnston Street Fitzroy from Wed 6 until Fri 8 February 2019, 7pm. Bookings: www.midsumma.com
