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ANAM: Ten Thousand Birds

by Heather Leviston 7th June, 2019
by Heather Leviston 7th June, 2019
213

When celebrated pedagogue Mauricio Fuks took three gifted violinists through their paces in an inspiring, master class at the Australian National Academy of Music last week, amongst the many pieces of valuable advice was one that he kept insisting on: “Take a risk”. And that is just what a performance of John Luther Adams’ 2014 composition Ten Thousand Birds involved.

It seemed that Melbourne music lovers were up for a challenge too; South Melbourne Town Hall was arranged to accommodate more than its normal quota of audience members with a couple of rows of traditional seating on three sides, 30 beanbags arranged in three clusters and plenty of standing and lying room. Reserved seating was available for the elderly and disabled. It was reminiscent of those Proms-style concerts with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and John Hopkins, where blankets and cushions were spread on the floor and we could gaze up at the ceiling of the Melbourne Town Hall while listening to some of the more cutting-edge composers of the time.

It is difficult to see Ten Thousand Birds as innovative as some of the music Hopkins brought to Melbourne audiences – Peter Maxwell Davies, Lutoslawsi and, most pertinently, the twentieth century composer most passionately attuned to birdsong, Olivier Messiaen, being among their number. Australian composer Keith Humble re-discovered Percy Grainger’s “Free Music”, which predated the aleatoric or “chance” music of Cage and Stockhausen familiar to more adventurous Melbourne music lovers; so for many in an audience that spanned a heartening mix generations, this was a performance that conjured up the past rather than presenting something new. Nevertheless, further exploration of early avant-garde musical and performance concepts always has something to offer even the most seasoned concertgoer.

Adams lived in northern Alaska for almost 40 years and worked full time as an environmental activist during the 1970s and into the ’80s. His compositions are timely in that they reflect his deep concern for the state of the earth and the future of humanity. The one-hour duration of Ten Thousand Birds is divided into six parts: Morning, Midday, Afternoon, Evening, Night and Morning. Within that framework (enhanced by appropriate lighting) Adams employs 17 musicians to recreate the song of 20 birds and a range of additional sounds including frogs, wing whistles, gusts, calls and winds.

A blackout and the faint sounds of wind gusts signalled the beginning and end of the performance. Musicians were placed around the hall with piano/celeste, percussion, a central pair of marimbas and assorted music stands remaining stationary while wind, string and brass players were free to wander around as they saw fit apart from some precisely choreographed moments. At one point a string quartet sat at one end of the hall to play the calls of the veery in a most beautiful arrangement of dislocated rhythms. All of the birdcalls were fully notated by Adams, but it was up to the musicians to decide exactly when they would be played. There were rough guidelines that specified that there should be moments when all parts would play and others when solitary instruments should be heard.

In the talk and question time that followed interval, ANAM alumnus Tim Munro, now a Chicago-based flutist, writer, broadcaster and teacher, spoke about his relationship with Adams and his work. In response to one question, he said that Adams would have preferred to use Australian birds for a performance of his composition in Australia rather than the North American birds notated for this performance. While an Australian audience had no trouble discerning the woodpecker, dove, owls and frogs, various types of sparrows, chickadees and the wonderful veery were more of a challenge. Would having local birds have added to this immersive experience? Perhaps. On the other hand it could have led to an overly literal distraction of “spot-the-bird”. For my money, it didn’t matter what birds were represented by the horn and trumpet calling to each other across the hall; the birds’ musical essence was the arresting feature.

The audience had been invited to walk around the hall to experience the bird calls in different ways, but very few took up the offer. There was one lady who managed to go out for a glass of red wine, however, and thread her way through the maze of bodies without spilling a drop – slightly bizarre but somehow in keeping with the event. When Tim Munro asked for a show of hands as to whether audience members would have felt more willing to move around for a second performance once they had known what was involved, quite a few hands went up. The three musicians who joined Munro for the talk gave interesting information regarding their musical choices and responses to Adams’ concepts with its emphasis on focussed listening and creative response.

There was no doubt that this was an important part of the educational experiences that ANAM provides for its young musicians. Mauricio Fuks said that he had wanted to come to ANAM for some time, but what he found had exceeded his expectations. What had impressed him most were three qualities: the talent of the students, the atmosphere and the collegiality. He would also have been impressed with their willingness to take a risk in this performance.

______________________________________________________________

Heather Leviston attended the Australian National Academy of Music’s performance of “Ten Thousand Birds” given at South Melbourne Town Hall on June 4, 2019.

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Heather Leviston

Heather Leviston has devoted much of her life to listening to classical music and attending concerts. An addiction to vocal and string music has led her to undertake extensive training in singing and perform as a member of the Victoria State Opera chorus and as a soloist with various musical organisations.

As a founding academic teacher of the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, she has had the privilege of witnessing the progress of many talented students, keenly following their careers by attending their performances both in Australia and overseas.

As a reviewer, initially for artsHub, and also for Sounds like Sydney, she has been keen to bring attention to the fine music-making that is on offer in Australia, especially in the form of live performance. Heather is a valued member of Classical Melbourne’s editorial team, with her reviews of opera and vocal music valued by performers and audiences alike.

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Events Calendar

42 events found.
  • June 2025

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Experience the electrifying synergy of Richard Tognetti AO, the visionary Artistic Director of the ACO, and Konstantin Shamray, Australia’s most formidable…

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The Power of Love versus the Love of Power – an adaptation of Wagner’s Ring Cycle. Traditionally spanning four days, Wagner’s…

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7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

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$22 – $30
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3 events, 7

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Event Series

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How many insults can you hear before you have to stand up and defend the woman you love? Tom faces just…

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7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

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$70 – $150

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June 12 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

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June 14 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

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June 14 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

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$35.00 – $99.00
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June 14 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

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$42 – $53
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June 14 @ 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm

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7:30 pm - 8:45 pm

Speak Percussion: Pigeons

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$59 – $69
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$20 – $139

2 events, 15

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

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0 events, 16

0 events, 17

2 events, 18

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Tudor Choristers: TCHAIKOVSKY’S SACRED MUSIC

June 18 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

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$32.
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0 events, 19

2 events, 20

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

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$40
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$45.90 – $109

1 event, 21

2:00 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

ABC Classic and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra present Classic 100 in Concert

June 21 @ 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

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$45.90 – $109

2 events, 22

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Australian Chamber Orchestra: ACO Unleashed

June 22 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

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3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

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June 22 @ 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

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1 event, 23

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Australian Chamber Orchestra: ACO Unleashed

June 23 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

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2 events, 24

10:30 am - 11:15 am Event Series

Nobuntu – Relaxed Performance

June 24 @ 10:30 am - 11:15 am Event Series

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$10
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm Event Series

Nobuntu – Relaxed Performance

June 24 @ 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm Event Series

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3 events, 25

11:00 am - 12:15 pm

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June 25 @ 11:00 am - 12:15 pm

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$52 – $59
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

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June 25 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

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$69 – $79
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Lang Lang in Recital

June 25 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

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1 event, 26

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

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June 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

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1 event, 27

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

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$20 – $196
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Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Ryman Healthcare Winter Gala: Lang Lang

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Dazzling charm and extroverted drama The singular piano sensation of this century returns for one night only with the MSO and…

$155 – $270

3 events, 29

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Thomas Heywood – Concert Organ Spectacular!

June 29 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Thomas Heywood – Concert Organ Spectacular!

Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Organ Music in Australia  (1825 - 2025) Melbourne Town Hall – Sunday 29 June at 2pm…

Free
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Lee Abrahmsen and Kevin Tamanini in recital

June 29 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Lee Abrahmsen and Kevin Tamanini in recital

The Lieder Society of Victoria presents the wonderful soprano Lee Abrahmsen and pianist Kevin Tamanini. Sunday 29 June 2025 3:00 PM…

$20 – $30
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Baroque Unleashed

June 29 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Baroque Unleashed

Virtuosic Skill. Raw Talent. Pure Baroque. It’s unleashed. Feel the rush of Baroque like never before in this bold, electrifying program,…

$20 – $196

0 events, 30

0 events, 1

0 events, 2

0 events, 3

0 events, 4

0 events, 5

0 events, 6

May 20
May 20 @ 7:00 pm - June 1 @ 9:00 pm Event Series

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

May 26 @ 8:00 am - 9:30 pm

Paul McMillan – Berio to Bach

May 20
May 20 @ 7:00 pm - June 1 @ 9:00 pm Event Series

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

May 27 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Open Rehearsal with Elim Chan

May 27 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: Hades Town

May 27 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Sophie Rowell and Kristian Chong play Sutherland and Beethoven

May 20
May 20 @ 7:00 pm - June 1 @ 9:00 pm Event Series

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

May 28 @ 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: Hades Town

May 28 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: Hades Town

May 28 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Celebrating 60 years of Music at Monash – Concert 1

May 20
May 20 @ 7:00 pm - June 1 @ 9:00 pm Event Series

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

May 29 @ 7:30 pm - 9:40 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Grieg’s Piano Concerto

May 29 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: Hades Town

May 29 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Ensemble Offspring – Double Symmetry

May 20
May 20 @ 7:00 pm - June 1 @ 9:00 pm Event Series

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

May 30 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: Hades Town

May 30 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Seraphim Trio – Debussy and Tchaikovsky

May 20
May 20 @ 7:00 pm - June 1 @ 9:00 pm Event Series

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

May 31 @ 2:00 pm - 4:10 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Grieg’s Piano Concerto

May 31 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

Opera Australia: Hades Town

May 31 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Imaginista Quartet with Craig Hill

May 20
May 20 @ 7:00 pm - June 1 @ 9:00 pm Event Series

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

June 1 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Acord: Dragonslayers

June 1 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Opera presents the grand French opera Samson & Delilah

June 2
June 2 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Scheherazade Quick Fix at Half Six

June 2 @ 7:30 pm - 9:10 pm

Stephen Hough

June 3
June 3 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

June 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Opera presents the grand French opera Samson & Delilah

June 4
June 4 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: First Voices Showcase

June 4 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™ in Concert

June 5
June 5 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

More Than Opera BrunnhAilde – A Wagnerian Concert

June 5 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

More Than Opera: BrunnhAilde – A Wagnerian Concert

June 5 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™ in Concert

June 6
June 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Forest Collective: Fat Pig – The Opera

June 6 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: The Crossing Machine

June 6 @ 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Secret Symphony

June 7
June 7 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™ in Concert

June 7 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Forest Collective: Fat Pig – The Opera

June 7 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™ in Concert

June 8
June 8 @ 10:30 am - 9:30 pm

Woodend Winter Arts Festival 2025

June 8 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Event Series

Forest Collective: Fat Pig – The Opera

June 9
June 9 @ 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Woodend Winter Arts Festival 2025

June 10
June 10 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Northern Lights

  • There are no events on this day.
June 12
June 12 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: A Reflection in Time

June 12 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Invenio – Bits and Pieces

June 13
June 13 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: A Reflection in Time

June 13 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato – Danaë Killian: Piano Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

June 14
June 14 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: HAYDN’S The Creation

June 14 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: HAYDN’S The Creation

June 14 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Ensemble Liaison: Ensemble Liaison with Brigid Coleridge

June 14 @ 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm

Speak Percussion: Pigeons

June 14 @ 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm

Speak Percussion: Pigeons

June 14 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: A Reflection in Time

June 15
June 15 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tempo Rubato – MATTUTINO: Rio Xiang and Cedar Newman

June 15 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Preston Symphony Orchestra: Resurgence

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
June 18
June 18 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Tudor Choristers: TCHAIKOVSKY’S SACRED MUSIC

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 8:40 pm

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Ethereal

  • There are no events on this day.
June 20
June 20 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

ANAM at the Convent: ELISION Ensemble

June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series

ABC Classic and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra present Classic 100 in Concert

June 21
June 21 @ 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

ABC Classic and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra present Classic 100 in Concert

June 22
June 22 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Australian Chamber Orchestra: ACO Unleashed

June 22 @ 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Melbourne Recital Centre Baroque Competition 2025

June 23
June 23 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Australian Chamber Orchestra: ACO Unleashed

June 24
June 24 @ 10:30 am - 11:15 am Event Series

Nobuntu – Relaxed Performance

June 24 @ 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm Event Series

Nobuntu – Relaxed Performance

June 25
June 25 @ 11:00 am - 12:15 pm

Mostly Mozart – Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven

June 25 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Nobuntu

June 21
June 21 @ 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

ABC Classic and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra present Classic 100 in Concert

June 22
June 22 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Australian Chamber Orchestra: ACO Unleashed

June 22 @ 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Melbourne Recital Centre Baroque Competition 2025

June 23
June 23 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Australian Chamber Orchestra: ACO Unleashed

June 24
June 24 @ 10:30 am - 11:15 am Event Series

Nobuntu – Relaxed Performance

June 24 @ 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm Event Series

Nobuntu – Relaxed Performance

June 25
June 25 @ 11:00 am - 12:15 pm

Mostly Mozart – Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven

June 25 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Nobuntu

June 25 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Lang Lang in Recital

June 26
June 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Baroque Unleashed

June 27
June 27 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: MSO Mornings: Pictures at an Exhibition

June 28
June 28 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Baroque Unleashed

June 28 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Ryman Healthcare Winter Gala: Lang Lang

June 29
June 29 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Thomas Heywood – Concert Organ Spectacular!

June 29 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Lee Abrahmsen and Kevin Tamanini in recital

June 29 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: Baroque Unleashed

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
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