River - A cinematic odyssey exploring the waterways that have shaped our world, in all their majesty and fragility.
River is a visceral experience that is both dream-like and urgent. At its one-off premiere performance in 2022, reviewers said – “River does not request your attention. It demands your surrender.” – SMH ★★★★
For millions of years, rivers shaped landscapes and sustained communities. In flow, flood and drought, rivers gave life and carried it away. In two short centuries, humans have begun to re-shape rivers. We build dams upstream to sustain our cities. We alter flood plains and vary flows. Downstream, the changes can be catastrophic.
ACO Artistic Director Richard Tognetti and Director Jennifer Peedom follow their acclaimed Mountain with this cinematic exploration of the waterways that have shaped our world. On screen, the rivers flow in rhythm and harmony with music from outstanding composers. The result is an awe-inspiring combination of timeless music, captivating cinematography, and distinctive narration from award-winning actor Willem Dafoe.
The score features iconic works by composers including Bach and Ravel, music by Jonny Greenwood and Radiohead, and new original music by Richard Tognetti and peerless Indigenous composer William Barton. The soundtrack won ARIA & AACTA awards. Performed live by Richard Tognetti and the ACO, alongside Jennifer Peedom’s astonishing visuals, the effect is even more powerful.
PROGRAM
River: film live in concert featuring music by Bach, Vivaldi, Mahler, Sibelius, Ravel, Thomas Adès, Pēteris Vasks, Richard Tognetti, Radiohead, Jonny Greenwood and William Barton.
ARTISTS
Richard Tognetti, Musical Director, Composer & Violin
William Barton, Composer, Vocals & Didgeridoo
Additional Composition by Piers Burbrook de Vere
Satu Vänskä, Vocals & Violin
Australian Chamber Orchestra
Jennifer Peedom, Writer & Director
Robert Macfarlane, Writer
Jo-anne McGowan, Jennifer Peedom, John Smithson, Producers
Joseph Nizeti, Co-Writer & Co-Director
Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Ben Knight, Sherpas Cinema, Renan Ozturk and Pete McBride, Principal Cinematography
Willem Dafoe, Narrator
Nigel Jamieson, Staging Director
Damien Cooper, Lighting Design
For more info visit - https://www.aco.com.au/whats-on/2024/river