The guitar becomes an orchestra in the open-air.
In May 2022, Melbourne guitarist/composer Lucas Michailidis premiered his new composition MOVEMENT FOR FIVE GUITARS. Supported through a Banyule Arts and Cultural Project Grant, the performances brought contemporary music to the everyday, re-energising public space in a range of open-air Banyule locations: The Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub and the Bell Street Mall.
Movement for Five Guitars featuring Lucas Michailidis, Libby Ferris, Fiona Steele, Jamie McGee and Anton Schulz..
Despite being the most popular instrument in the world, the guitar is often relegated to the position of accompaniment. As a solo fingerstyle guitarist, Michailidis has dedicated his practice to bringing the instrument to the foreground. With this unusual new work, he realises a long-held vision of elevating the guitar to the status of an orchestra. Exploiting the instrument’s mobility, five guitarists are radio-miked, free of the usual cables and amps. Their stepping and position-shifting in combination with dynamic rhythmic, creates a sensation best described as kinetic sound sculpture.
In line with our collective opening up, MOVEMENT FOR FIVE GUITARS is a welcome disjunct to the austere and punishing Melbourne lockdowns of 20/21. The work evokes wonder, a shift in perspective and a suspension of time.
After critical acclaim at our Banyule premiere, we are now taking bookings for performances in open air spaces.
