by Jayden McDonald 13 May, 2011
A 23-year-old Iranian university student has won the first Murdoch Electronic Music Society Disc Jockey competition using a traditional Iranian instrument.
Sobhan Esfahani used a Santur during his 45 minute set last Friday at Murdoch Tavern.
Santur, which means 100 strings in Persian, is a 72-string hammered instrument.
Three judges chose Mr Esfahani as the winner out of the final five contestants.
The three judges consisted of two disc jockeys from the popular radio website, Sub.FM and a local event organiser who has experience working with many international acts.
Mr Esfahani was taught the Santur by his father who also played the Santur when he was young.
“Besides the Santur, I’ve been disc jockeying for four years now and interested in music since my father taught me how to play the Santur,” he said.
Event organiser, Patrick Hay, a Murdoch university student, said he was very impressed with how smoothly the event ran and did not have to deal with any issues throughout the day.
“The Murdoch Electronic Music Society Disc Jockey competition’s first place prize includes a DJ set at a Northbridge nightclub which matches their genre,” said Mr Hay.
“Murdoch Electronic Music Society is in the process of arranging a suitable club night, we will do our best to connect him with a night that suits him and he will obviously have the choice to play or not play.”
“I have not really thought much about it but I want to play at Ambar nightclub in Perth,” said Mr Esfahani.
Ambar nightclub is considered one of Australia’s best nightclubs after being the only Australian nightclub in DJMag’s Top 100 Clubs.
Mr Hay said the Murdoch Electronic Music Society has more events planned for the second semester of this year.
“We are planning to host another one next semester and more than likely it will become a second semester event as the National Campus Disc Jockey Competition is held then so we would like to enter Sobhan into that.”
The National Campus Disc Jockey Competition involves over 40 universities and TAFE student unions throughout Australia.
Disc jockeys will be given 10 minutes to perform during this competition, which takes place in September.
The winner of the competition will be given a $500 voucher from DJ Warehouse.
Showing posts with label The Arts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Arts. Show all posts
Thursday, 19 May 2011
Monday, 2 May 2011
Grads challenge audiences with Shakespearean twist
By Cassandra Flanagan, 15 April 2011
The University of Western Australia’s Graduate Dramatic Society (GRADS) has surprised its audiences with a novel twist on Shakespeare's classic, 'Twelfth Night'.
“GRADS set out to challenge their audiences to experience Shakespeare in an unconventional manner,” said Cassandra Vagliviello, a member of the cast.
"We didn't want to present a traditional telling of Twelfth Night, but rather one where the audience had an insight into the characters from a different perspective other than merely watching a person onstage,” said Miss Vagliviello.
“The idea came from within the creative team, which was led by our director, Peter Clark,” she said.
“Peter really wanted to prove to the audiences that not every Shakespearean drama can be told the same way, and that perhaps a bit of creativity and interpretation is needed to find the true hidden meaning in Shakespeare’s works.
“As an actor, I had to incorporate Peter’s vision into my performance, portraying the main character of Olivia as Betty Boop.
“This proved to be a lot harder than I had originally imagined, as I had to interpret the script and Olivia’s emotions and motivations whilst also incorporating a 1930’s ‘seductress’ character into my performance,” she said.
“Personally, I thought this was a unique idea, and although it was challenging at first, the rehearsal process allowed me to delve into my character and find what I wanted to bring to the stage through my interpretation of Olivia,” said Miss Vagliviello.
Notre Dame Theatre Studies graduate Therese Cruise viewed Twelfth Night, and found herself captured by Peter Clark’s interpretation of this classic comedy.
“I thought it was a really fantastic idea to costume all the characters as recognisable children's characters,” said Miss Cruise.
“It brought a whole new meaning to a play I've seen and read quite a few times, one which I hadn’t previously considered and was a surprise when I went to see the play.
“As the characters where recognizable, it gave me as an audience member new insights into the traits and personalities of the characters.
“I thought the direction was brilliant, and I really enjoyed the show the whole way through,” said Miss Cruise.
“Olivia as ‘Betty Boop’ was particularly funny, being quite a ditzy character that everyone but Viola loves.”
“One of my favourite moments was Viola and Sebastian discovering each other and the ‘big reveal’, which was very interesting as the two siblings were dressed as clowns,” said Miss Cruise.
“Although Peter Clark’s interpretation was a test for me as an actor, I really enjoyed pushing myself to meet the challenge, and I would definitely work with Peter again,” said Miss Vagliviello.
Dylan appearance prompts sell-out festival
by Jayden McDonald, 10 April 2011
The West Coast Blues ‘n’ Roots Festival is looking to be a sell-out event as musician, Bob Dylan headlines the acts and organiser change the site layout after problems with congestion last year.
There were reports of people leaving early because of the lack of room and difficulty moving around the festival last year.
Changes have been made to help reduce these problems.
“We have reduced the number of stages to just the main stage and big top, and relocated majority of infrastructure to the outer perimeters to allow better movement for punters through the festival space,” spokeswoman for Sunset Events, Janelle Morse, said.
There were also reports of people climbing the scaffolding which caused the music to stop during the main act’s set.
Ms Morse has said that security will be better this year.
“At a large event such as a music festival, our security team is always well prepared for a number of occurrences, but can’t be in all places at all times,” she said.
“We have dedicated pre-event security briefings and try to anticipate as many issues as possible.”
Ticket sales show that the event is going to sell out like last year.
Dylan was last in Perth in 2007, which was also a sold out event.
While he may not be the sole reason for the event selling out, fans say the whole line is.
One popular act will be the winner of the Sunset Events competition ‘Breakthrough to Blues ‘n’ Roots Artist’, James Teague, who is warming up for Dylan.
Teague said the competition was about local musicians battling it out to play at the West Coast Blues ‘n’ Roots Festival.
“It’s such a privilege to play at the West Coast Blues ‘n’ Roots festival.
“I really can’t wait,” said James Teague.
The event will be located at Fremantle Park, the same venue as last year, on Easter Sunday 17th April and commences at 11am.
The West Coast Blues ‘n’ Roots Festival is looking to be a sell-out event as musician, Bob Dylan headlines the acts and organiser change the site layout after problems with congestion last year.
There were reports of people leaving early because of the lack of room and difficulty moving around the festival last year.
Changes have been made to help reduce these problems.
“We have reduced the number of stages to just the main stage and big top, and relocated majority of infrastructure to the outer perimeters to allow better movement for punters through the festival space,” spokeswoman for Sunset Events, Janelle Morse, said.
There were also reports of people climbing the scaffolding which caused the music to stop during the main act’s set.
Ms Morse has said that security will be better this year.
“At a large event such as a music festival, our security team is always well prepared for a number of occurrences, but can’t be in all places at all times,” she said.
“We have dedicated pre-event security briefings and try to anticipate as many issues as possible.”
Ticket sales show that the event is going to sell out like last year.
Dylan was last in Perth in 2007, which was also a sold out event.
While he may not be the sole reason for the event selling out, fans say the whole line is.
One popular act will be the winner of the Sunset Events competition ‘Breakthrough to Blues ‘n’ Roots Artist’, James Teague, who is warming up for Dylan.
Teague said the competition was about local musicians battling it out to play at the West Coast Blues ‘n’ Roots Festival.
“It’s such a privilege to play at the West Coast Blues ‘n’ Roots festival.
“I really can’t wait,” said James Teague.
The event will be located at Fremantle Park, the same venue as last year, on Easter Sunday 17th April and commences at 11am.
15 arrests at Future Music festival
By Scarlett Reynolds, 8 April 2011
Drugs and alcohol played their part during the 2011 Future Music Festival at the Arena Joondalup, which featured well-known local performers including Kesha, Pendulum and Dizzie Rascal.
“Police held a position post outside the venue, and issued over 100 ‘move on’ notices,” said Arena facility co-ordinator Sean Raines.
“There were a few arrests, mainly for alcohol abuse and domestic issues,” he said.
Police arrested 15 people for drug offences.
The external security was organised by Mellen Events with over 300 security guards for the 41,000 who attended the festival.
“Due to the number of patrons attending, a state meeting was held with police forces to let them know the extent of the situation,” said Mr Raines.
“I felt safe attending, if there was any trouble you could just walk away,” said local music goer Sarah Dyer.
“People were checked by police as they entered, but I didn’t see anyone being arrested inside the arena,” said Miss Dyer.
Patrons were issued with a wristband to let security forces know who was attending.
“If anyone was acting or looked suspicious and had no wristband they were escorted out of the venue,” said Mr Raines.
“From what I could see there were people on drugs but they didn’t cause much trouble,” said Miss Dyer.
“I think people go for drugs and music, but I would go again just for the music”.
During the event one of the main problems appeared to be the issue of underage people trying to make their way into the venue.
“It was mainly underage people that were trying to get in by climbing over the gates,” said Mr Raines.
“However there were security guards placed around the fencing to prevent people from coming in”.
“Hopefully we will be able to hold this event again next year,” said Mr Raines.
Joondalup Arena will be hosting a similar event ‘Supafest’ in April.
Drugs and alcohol played their part during the 2011 Future Music Festival at the Arena Joondalup, which featured well-known local performers including Kesha, Pendulum and Dizzie Rascal.
“Police held a position post outside the venue, and issued over 100 ‘move on’ notices,” said Arena facility co-ordinator Sean Raines.
“There were a few arrests, mainly for alcohol abuse and domestic issues,” he said.
Police arrested 15 people for drug offences.
The external security was organised by Mellen Events with over 300 security guards for the 41,000 who attended the festival.
“Due to the number of patrons attending, a state meeting was held with police forces to let them know the extent of the situation,” said Mr Raines.
“I felt safe attending, if there was any trouble you could just walk away,” said local music goer Sarah Dyer.
“People were checked by police as they entered, but I didn’t see anyone being arrested inside the arena,” said Miss Dyer.
Patrons were issued with a wristband to let security forces know who was attending.
“If anyone was acting or looked suspicious and had no wristband they were escorted out of the venue,” said Mr Raines.
“From what I could see there were people on drugs but they didn’t cause much trouble,” said Miss Dyer.
“I think people go for drugs and music, but I would go again just for the music”.
During the event one of the main problems appeared to be the issue of underage people trying to make their way into the venue.
“It was mainly underage people that were trying to get in by climbing over the gates,” said Mr Raines.
“However there were security guards placed around the fencing to prevent people from coming in”.
“Hopefully we will be able to hold this event again next year,” said Mr Raines.
Joondalup Arena will be hosting a similar event ‘Supafest’ in April.
A big year for Black Swan Theatre
By Madison Pawle, 6 April, 2011
This year is a big year for Black Swan State Theatre Company, celebrating its first season in residence at the new State Theatre along with 20th anniversary.
Black Swan celebrates its 20th year with a programme “rich with new work and sprinkled with classics”, including works from Tim Winton, Shakespeare, Andrew Bovell and Tennessee Williams.
“It explores our culture with joy and dynamism. It cracks open cultures that may seem foreign, one that is in our own backyard, with tenacity and tenderness.
“It is muscular and tough and joyful and daring,” says BSSTC Artistic Director, Kate Cherry.
Since its inception in 1991, BSSTC has developed into an integral part of Perth’s cultural landscape, being recognised as the State’s flagship theatre company in 2004.
Having cemented a reputation for innovation and fostering contemporary works, BSSTC was granted exclusive residency at the State Theatre centre.
Opening its doors in January 2011, the State Theatre has been heralded as “one of the finest...theatre complexes in Australia” by Ms Cherry.
She sees the State Theatre as an integral part of the further development of a performing arts culture in Perth.
She also notes the growing appetite amongst people of Perth for an artistic culture to rival that of Melbourne, which is considered the hub of arts in Australia.
The State Theatre marks the establishment of the first fully-funded professional theatre in Perth through the State Government.
Similarly, it is acclaimed as ushering in “a new era for performing arts in Western Australia” by Minister for Culture and the Arts Mr John Day.
As well as a keystone in the development of theatre in Perth, Mr Day is certain that the venue will attract increasing amounts of people to the heart of the city.
Ms Cherry came to the helm of Black Swan in 2008, after a long and varied career in Australia and abroad, and looks to the future with optimism.
“My agenda is for Black Swan’s presence to extend beyond WA to festivals and touring circuits nationally and internationally,” she said.
“I will use my quite extensive overseas network to forge opportunities.”
The expansion of a national and international profile would see the exposure of Perth as a cultured and urbane city, possibly prompting an increase in tourism to WA.
Dance company stepping across the state
By Phoebe Woodhead, 5 April, 2011
After a three month battle to obtain funding, Steps Youth Dance Company is finally hitting the road in April 2011, touring their critically acclaimed major production Phoenix.
Touring to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the company will perform their preseason sell out work and offer free dance-theatre workshops to local schools and community groups.
The object of this tour is to “promote contemporary dance in rural areas of WA, which for us is incredibly rewarding as art isn’t as well represented and accessible in those areas,” says company member Dominik Mall.
Originally Steps was touring to Sydney for the Australian Youth Dance Festival.
But only weeks before leaving, the entire event was forced to cancel due to insufficient funding.
“It’s a struggle to fund large scale artistic projects like AYDF, mainly because the industry is minor compared to something like an international music festival,” Mr Mall said.
The not-for-profit company has also struggled obtaining funding for their regional tour, resorting to pubic donating through a crowd funding initiative.
“It usually takes nine months to plan and organize these kinds of tours but due to the circumstances we were given just three,”
“Crowd funding allows individuals or groups to contribute donations via a website, which is an efficient way to encourage people to donate as we are able to hyperlink via popular social networks,” explained Clare Goodridge, Marketing and Fund Development Coordinator for Steps.
Highly successful in the US, crowd funding has never before been used as a funding source for small businesses within Australia, “so trialing it for this project will test if it’s a viable source,” Ms. Goodridge said.
The show features 32 Perth dancers aged from 12-21, who tell a coming of age story that begins with the end of the world and its emotional process to rebuild, incorporating strong dance theatrics and aerial acrobatics.
Albany’s cutting-edge Entertainment Center is fully equipped to house Phoenix, its first live performance, however the set needed to support the shows aerial display is costly to travel, and will be canned if the funding schemes fail.
The dancers have contributed their own “pocket money” says youngest member Melina Mall, doing what ever they can to ensure the entire tour goes ahead.
Government grants approved by The Department of Culture and the Arts is the companies core funding source, however this covers the numerous Artistic Directors and General Managers that maintain the company at its professional standard.
“Grants are always hard to obtain.
“There are limited funds allocated to arts and artistic grants, probably because dance in Perth is not as popular as over east,” Mr. Mall said.
Through this tour the company aims to use dance as a vehicle to motivate young people and allow freedom of expression, which they hope will attract more young people to dance.
With only three weeks to go the company is still searching for last minute funding to ensure there entire production will tour, so they ask fellow locals to dig deep and support the youth of their community.
After a three month battle to obtain funding, Steps Youth Dance Company is finally hitting the road in April 2011, touring their critically acclaimed major production Phoenix.
Touring to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the company will perform their preseason sell out work and offer free dance-theatre workshops to local schools and community groups.
The object of this tour is to “promote contemporary dance in rural areas of WA, which for us is incredibly rewarding as art isn’t as well represented and accessible in those areas,” says company member Dominik Mall.
Originally Steps was touring to Sydney for the Australian Youth Dance Festival.
But only weeks before leaving, the entire event was forced to cancel due to insufficient funding.
“It’s a struggle to fund large scale artistic projects like AYDF, mainly because the industry is minor compared to something like an international music festival,” Mr Mall said.
The not-for-profit company has also struggled obtaining funding for their regional tour, resorting to pubic donating through a crowd funding initiative.
“It usually takes nine months to plan and organize these kinds of tours but due to the circumstances we were given just three,”
“Crowd funding allows individuals or groups to contribute donations via a website, which is an efficient way to encourage people to donate as we are able to hyperlink via popular social networks,” explained Clare Goodridge, Marketing and Fund Development Coordinator for Steps.
Highly successful in the US, crowd funding has never before been used as a funding source for small businesses within Australia, “so trialing it for this project will test if it’s a viable source,” Ms. Goodridge said.
The show features 32 Perth dancers aged from 12-21, who tell a coming of age story that begins with the end of the world and its emotional process to rebuild, incorporating strong dance theatrics and aerial acrobatics.
Albany’s cutting-edge Entertainment Center is fully equipped to house Phoenix, its first live performance, however the set needed to support the shows aerial display is costly to travel, and will be canned if the funding schemes fail.
The dancers have contributed their own “pocket money” says youngest member Melina Mall, doing what ever they can to ensure the entire tour goes ahead.
Government grants approved by The Department of Culture and the Arts is the companies core funding source, however this covers the numerous Artistic Directors and General Managers that maintain the company at its professional standard.
“Grants are always hard to obtain.
“There are limited funds allocated to arts and artistic grants, probably because dance in Perth is not as popular as over east,” Mr. Mall said.
Through this tour the company aims to use dance as a vehicle to motivate young people and allow freedom of expression, which they hope will attract more young people to dance.
With only three weeks to go the company is still searching for last minute funding to ensure there entire production will tour, so they ask fellow locals to dig deep and support the youth of their community.
South Perth symphony success
By Elise McLean, 20 March, 2011
After only six weeks practice, the South Side Symphony Orchestra gave its debut yesterday at the opening of the South Perth Civic Hall, and its success signalled it is here to stay.
The audience of about 100 people were ‘very impressed’ by the music produced by orchestra at their first performance.
To start a symphony orchestra from scratch was an endeavour Irene Wright was told to forget.
“It was like a red rag to a bull,” she says.
Ms Wright continued to ‘hit brick walls’ with her plans until she met Lynda Chapman.
They both felt it was unfair on amateur musicians who live south of the river not to have an opportunity to play as part of a community orchestra, this new orchestra would “fill the gap”.
Together they found Julia Robinson who says she “jumped at the opportunity” to conduct a symphony orchestra.
The first rehearsal held on the second of February “astonished” conductor Ms Robinson with the quality of music the 35 musicians produced.
In December 2010 Ms Wright applied for a Lotterywest grant to assist the orchestra’s funding which was approved on March 3 this year.
The $5,320 grant will be put towards providing music stands, as well as trolleys to accommodate the stands.
Ms Wright and Ms Chapman are negotiating with the Melville Council on the behalf of the orchestra about renovations for the More Community Hall, which are scheduled to take only two months in mid 2011.
During these renovations the orchestra will have to find an alternate venue to rehearse.
The inaugural annual general meeting will be held on April 13 this year which will formally elect the members of the committee.
Ms Robinson is determined for the South Side Symphony Orchestra to become an established and respected Perth orchestra that “continues to attract enthusiastic players”.
“If we make it past this first year,” says Ms Wright, “we’ll be here forever.”
Practice is currently being held in the MORE Community Hall 7:30 to 9:45 every Wednesday evening.
If you would like join or contact the orchestra, email ssso@hotmail.com.au or phone Irene Wright, 0437 593 571
After only six weeks practice, the South Side Symphony Orchestra gave its debut yesterday at the opening of the South Perth Civic Hall, and its success signalled it is here to stay.
The audience of about 100 people were ‘very impressed’ by the music produced by orchestra at their first performance.
To start a symphony orchestra from scratch was an endeavour Irene Wright was told to forget.
“It was like a red rag to a bull,” she says.
Ms Wright continued to ‘hit brick walls’ with her plans until she met Lynda Chapman.
They both felt it was unfair on amateur musicians who live south of the river not to have an opportunity to play as part of a community orchestra, this new orchestra would “fill the gap”.
Together they found Julia Robinson who says she “jumped at the opportunity” to conduct a symphony orchestra.
The first rehearsal held on the second of February “astonished” conductor Ms Robinson with the quality of music the 35 musicians produced.
In December 2010 Ms Wright applied for a Lotterywest grant to assist the orchestra’s funding which was approved on March 3 this year.
The $5,320 grant will be put towards providing music stands, as well as trolleys to accommodate the stands.
Ms Wright and Ms Chapman are negotiating with the Melville Council on the behalf of the orchestra about renovations for the More Community Hall, which are scheduled to take only two months in mid 2011.
During these renovations the orchestra will have to find an alternate venue to rehearse.
The inaugural annual general meeting will be held on April 13 this year which will formally elect the members of the committee.
Ms Robinson is determined for the South Side Symphony Orchestra to become an established and respected Perth orchestra that “continues to attract enthusiastic players”.
“If we make it past this first year,” says Ms Wright, “we’ll be here forever.”
Practice is currently being held in the MORE Community Hall 7:30 to 9:45 every Wednesday evening.
If you would like join or contact the orchestra, email ssso@hotmail.com.au or phone Irene Wright, 0437 593 571
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Garo Tanzi - Chasing Rhythm
Written by Liz Warr
Hidden by the smooth shadows of the stage, his hands begin to explode with impromptu rhythm and pulse.
He is uninhibited; he is passionate
Fashion Lacks Funds
Written by Liria Ramirez
Standing across from the old gasworks building in the unfashionable side of Perth city, it is hard to imagine how it has been transformed into the stiletto-friendly Fashion Paramount,
Standing across from the old gasworks building in the unfashionable side of Perth city, it is hard to imagine how it has been transformed into the stiletto-friendly Fashion Paramount,
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