Rubiks Collective: Sculptress

Sculptress is a celebration of artists who are reshaping contemporary music by re-examining our past. New approaches to sound, notation and genre play against tributes to early electronic music pioneers, field recordings and the 1950’s golden age of American advertising.

Featuring the sonic investigations of ‘musical scientist’ Nicole Lizée, the enigmatic atmospheres of Anna Thorvalsdottir and a new composition by Christine McCombe, the winner of the 2018 Pythia Prize, Rubiks presents five premieres paying homage to some of the most innovative creators of the 21st-century and those who have paved the way.

Sculptress will also include the announcement of the 2019 Pythia Prize winner. Launched in 2017, the Pythia Prize is Rubiks’ annual commission project addressing gender equality and diversity in contemporary art music. The 2019 prize will support an Australian female or gender nonconforming composer to collaborate with Rubiks to create a new work for the ensemble’s 2020 season.

Program:

Anna Thorvaldsdottir – Fields (2016)**
Sara Glojnaric – Indispensable Ms. Jones (2016)**
Gemma Peacocke – Quiver (2018)**
Christine McCombe (2018 Pythia Prize) – Waiting (2019)*
Nicole Lizée – Sculptress (2010)**

* World premiere  ** Australian premiere

Rubiks Collective

Rubiks is one of Melbourne’s most dynamic contemporary art music ensembles, bringing together Australia’s most exciting and versatile young performers. Since debuting in 2015, the ensemble has been hailed as “a formidable contribution to Australia’s growing community of contemporary music makers” (Partial Durations) and commended for “incredibly personal, strangely spiritual and ultimately deeply touching” performances (Limelight Magazine). With a particular interest in storytelling and cross-art collaboration, Rubiks has quickly established a reputation for excellence, delighting audiences with their unique programming and dazzling virtuosity.