Classic Melbourne
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Calendar
    • Terms and conditions
    • Apply to post your events
    • Post Your Event
  • Newsletter Signup
  • About
  • Contact

Rubiks Collective: Waves + Lines

by Madi Chwasta 23rd April, 2018
by Madi Chwasta 23rd April, 2018
260

Each year, the Metropolis New Music Festival promises a variety of daring and unique performances that are sure to challenge, move, and inspire. Rubiks Collective, a young chamber ensemble whose members are fast becoming local champions of insightful and creative programming, proved they are a force to be reckoned with by hosting the Australian-premiere of Gemma Peacocke’s 50-minute song cycle, “Waves + Lines”, at the Melbourne Recital Centre’s Salon.

“Waves + Lines” is an enormously sensitive and topical work inspired by Eliza Griswold’s book, I Am the Beggar of the World: Landays from Contemporary Afghanistan. Each of the eight songs within the work is based on a “Landay” an oral tradition of poetry unique to the women of Afghanistan, comprising of a single rhyming couplet. These poems elicit the full spectrum of emotion, from the intensity of war, to the sadness of unrequited love. The word “Landay” is Pashto for “short, poisonous snake”, and like a short, biting Landay, each song in the piece is a pithy representation of a couplet from Griswold’s book.

Before the work commenced, Tamara Kohler, the co-producer and flautist in Rubiks, warmly welcomed the audience and explained the close friendship between the ensemble and the New Zealand-born, United States-based Gemma Peacocke, who had flown into Australia to watch the second premiere of her work. The moderately filled audience immediately got the impression that both the performers and the composer considered this an immensely important performance.

The first song, titled Bees, opened with the percussionist, Kaylie Melville, creating a buzzing sound by spinning a piece of wood on a string above her head near the middle of the stage. Her indomitable and capturing presence was followed by the introduction of a breathy and raw voice, almost wailing, sometimes the words difficult to discern. Restless and tribal drums then sat behind the voice, with the rest of the sound filled in with chords on the piano, a grounding double bass, and electronic sounds, which were often hissing or percussive.

A screen displaying projections by Felicia King was positioned above and behind the four performers, and in the first movement; they depicted an abstract moving white shape on a black backdrop. Her projections throughout the work always complemented the musical activity, but were never distracting. When the song finished was when the true emotional weight of the music was realised; the text (the Landay) was revealed to the audience on the screen in white typeset on a black background. For this first movement, it read:

Your eyes aren’t eyes; they’re bees,

I can find no cure for their sting.

 Each of the eight movements followed this structure: the song was performed, and as the sound dissipated, the potent and often emotional couplets were shown to the audience. Peacocke successfully extracted the power of these couplets through her writing, especially in fifth song War, where the voice moaned and growled in competition with rigorous drumming and a manic piano. In comparison, the second song Love was soft and delicate, carried by a lyrical vocal line and coloured by the soothing timbre of the vibraphone and water sounds in the electronics.

A personal highlight of the work was one of the middle movements, Ice cream, which featured the most comical of the couplets:

 ‘I could have tasted death for a taste of your tongue,

Watching you eat ice cream when we were young”

In this movement, the classical chamber ensemble turned into a pseudo-jazz trio: the drums held a light groove, the piano line “comped” a chord progression, and the vocal melody lazily sprawled across the jazz feel. The stark change the mood was fitting for this couplet; humorous, but also unsettling.

Melville was agile and intense on percussion, navigating the sprawl of drums, mallet instruments, and small auxiliary instruments with confidence and precision, providing timbral colour and interest in some moments, while holding the pulse in others. Jacob Abela on piano and Hamish Gullick on double bass grounded the ensemble with self-assured and sensitive playing, both masterful proponents of their instruments. However, it was Georgie Darvidis’ captivating vocal performance which proved to be the highlight. The work would not exist without the words, and Darvidis’ vocal prowess and genius understanding of her limits meant she was able to express the full range of emotions required to validate the music, powerfully traversing the soft and inchoate, to the bold and primal.

The last song, London, finished with the ensemble members bathed in a blue light, all performers appearing exhausted after performing a work of such high emotional magnitude. A black and white flashing subway map was presented on the screen. The final couplet was then presented: 

‘Without the Taliban,

Afghanistan would be London,’

And while the work may have been challenging and overwhelming for some in its subject matter, it was unlikely that anybody left the Salon without being moved.

 

 

Madi Chwasta reviewed Rubiks Collective’s performance at the Salon, Melbourne Recital Centre, on March 17, 2018.

 

 

0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinEmail
Madi Chwasta

previous post
Hamer Singers: when we were children
next post
Opera Australia: La Traviata

Events Calendar

35 events found.
  • July 2025

Calendar of Events

M Mon

T Tue

W Wed

T Thu

F Fri

S Sat

S Sun

0 events, 30

0 events, 1

1 event, 2

8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Listening Room #6: New York Minimalism & the Avant Garde

July 2 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Listening Room #6: New York Minimalism & the Avant Garde

Deep listening sessions, hosted by DJ Weary, presenting pristine original vinyl recordings in hi-fidelity sound. A night of celebration and reverence…

$22

3 events, 3

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

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

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

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

$37.83 – $153
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and the Mendelssohns

July 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and the Mendelssohns

Pure Musical Bliss Chief Conductor Jaime Martín presents a joyful program of classical and early romantic treasures. Join us for an…

$20 – $105
8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

July 3 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

Join Orchestra Victoria for another epic evening of live music from the world’s most loved indie video games. On the heels…

$24.50 – $99

1 event, 4

8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

July 4 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

Join Orchestra Victoria for another epic evening of live music from the world’s most loved indie video games. On the heels…

$24.50 – $99

0 events, 5

0 events, 6

1 event, 7

8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Darcy Gilkerson – A Glow in the Dark

July 7 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Darcy Gilkerson – A Glow in the Dark

Lizzy Scarlett and Samara Shanino, violin Eugenie Lyons, viola Darcy Gilkerson, cello Maddy Furlans, double bass Pat Jaffe, pianoAfter celebrating the…

$25 – $35

0 events, 8

0 events, 9

1 event, 10

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

Highlighting the warmth and beauty of the MCO sound. One of the most iconic works, Barber’s Adagio for Strings lifts the lid on…

$30 – $144

2 events, 11

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

July 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

To mark this year’s 50th anniversary of NAIDOC week, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra celebrates the Strength, Vision and Legacy of Yorta Yorta…

$25 – $113
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

July 11 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

SET 1 Australian/Finnish, Finland-based musician Simon Svoboda is back to perform in Melbourne, joined on stage by dear friend and cello…

$22

2 events, 12

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 12 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Chamber music at its most spirited. The Benaud Trio is one of Australia's finest and most lively chamber ensembles. Celebrating their…

$40 – $50
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 12 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Chamber music at its most spirited. The Benaud Trio is one of Australia's finest and most lively chamber ensembles. Celebrating their…

$40 – $50

1 event, 13

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 13 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

Highlighting the warmth and beauty of the MCO sound. One of the most iconic works, Barber’s Adagio for Strings lifts the lid on…

$30 – $144

1 event, 14

8:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák’s Cello Concerto Quick Fix at Half Six

July 14 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák’s Cello Concerto Quick Fix at Half Six

Yearning and tenderness German cellist Raphaela Gromes performs Dvořák’s Cello Concerto. Dedicated in part to the composer’s dying sister-in-law, this work…

$20 – $93

0 events, 15

0 events, 16

2 events, 17

7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139
7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139

3 events, 18

7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

ELISION Ensemble AXIS MUNDI

July 18 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

ELISION Ensemble AXIS MUNDI

AXIS MUNDI: spectacular sonic imaginations. ELISION presents a major concert of new music followed by a special late night event delivering…

$45 – $55
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Beyond Time Trio – Butterfly Garden

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Beyond Time Trio – Butterfly Garden

Lilly Yang, flute Rachel Lau, flute Amanda Pang, piano As part of an east coast tour, three Australian National Academy of…

$20 – $30
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Inland and Astra: Still Lives

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Inland and Astra: Still Lives

Inland and Astra present a special combined event celebrating one of Australia's leading international performers, clarinetist Anthony Burr,  a foremost interpreter of the music of Alvin Lucier (1931–2021).…

$15 – $30

3 events, 19

2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139
2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Olive Cullen & Ronan Apcar – Ocean Whisperings

July 19 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Olive Cullen & Ronan Apcar – Ocean Whisperings

For the first time in Melbourne, Olive Cullen (voice) and Ronan Apcar (piano) present Ocean Whisperings. The program is made up…

$25 – $30

1 event, 20

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tempo Rubato: Sunday Mattutino – Melbourne Guitar Quartet

July 20 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tempo Rubato: Sunday Mattutino – Melbourne Guitar Quartet

MELBOURNE GUITAR QUARTET Dan McKay | Sophie Marcheff | Benjamin Dix | Rose Gonzalez PROGRAM Robbie MELVILLE Brothers* Phillip HOUGHTON Opals…

$25

1 event, 21

6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

July 21 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

Yearning and tenderness German cellist Raphaela Gromes performs Dvořák’s Cello Concerto. Dedicated in part to the composer’s dying sister-in-law, this work…

$20 – $93

1 event, 22

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

July 22 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

The Spirit of Invention. Vienna, 1785. Johann Friedrich Schink is blown away by a new work featuring the clarinet and basset…

$49 – $153

3 events, 23

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

Selby & Friends: A Ghostly Afternoon

July 23 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

Selby & Friends: A Ghostly Afternoon

Virtuosity and grace: Natalie Chee and Benett Tsai join Kathryn Selby for a masterful concert. The third program of this season…

$63 – $81
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Selby & Friends: A Ghostly Afternoon

July 23 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Selby & Friends: A Ghostly Afternoon

Virtuosity and grace: Natalie Chee and Benett Tsai join Kathryn Selby for a masterful concert. The third program of this season…

$63 – $81
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Astra: Commas and

July 23 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Astra: Commas and

FORTY-EIGHT: FALLING & RISING, GLINTS, COMMAS, TILING CANONS, SPIRAL STUDY with canons by JS Bach An ensemble of leading Australian musicians…

$20 – $35

0 events, 24

1 event, 25

7:30 pm - 9:20 pm

Sjaella

July 25 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm

Sjaella

Experience the ethereal voices of Sjaella. Following a stunning debut at Melbourne Recital Centre in 2023, German a cappella ensemble Sjaella…

$59 – $69

4 events, 26

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Robin Fox – The History of Australian Electronic Music

July 26 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Robin Fox – The History of Australian Electronic Music

Experience the history of Australian electronic music with acclaimed artist Robin Fox. As part of Open House Melbourne 2025, Melbourne Recital…

$10
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Homophonic! presents: ‘Moonlite’

July 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Homophonic! presents: ‘Moonlite’

Homophonic! and The Consort of Melbourne are proud to present the Australian Premiere of 'Moonlite' by Wally Gunn (Music) and Maria…

$35.00 – $49.00
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Orchestra Victoria’s Southbank Series Concert 2: Prismatic Echoes

July 26 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Orchestra Victoria’s Southbank Series Concert 2: Prismatic Echoes

Orchestra Victoria’s Southbank Series, discover extraordinary orchestral music from the best seat in the house. This series offers a rare opportunity…

$19 – $69
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

La La Chorale Française de Melbourne: Bastille Soirée 2025

July 26 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

La La Chorale Française de Melbourne: Bastille Soirée 2025

A concert of French songs. In conjunction with their annual Bastille Day concert, La La La Chorale Française de Melbourne is…

$20 – $35

2 events, 27

2:00 pm - 3:15 pm

The Classical Collective in Concert

July 27 @ 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm

The Classical Collective in Concert

A celebration of glorious duets, arias, motets & instrumental pieces from the 16th to the 21st century. Moving works from Monteverdi,…

$35 – $40
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Kate Milligan, Louise Devenish, and Aaron Wyatt: Dark Oceanography

July 27 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Kate Milligan, Louise Devenish, and Aaron Wyatt: Dark Oceanography

In this world premiere of a new work by Kate Milligan, Louise Devenish, and Aaron Wyatt, the live performances of three…

$20 – $39

0 events, 28

0 events, 29

0 events, 30

0 events, 31

1 event, 1

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

August 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

Playing the works from their vast back catalogue that have earned the brothers justifiable recognition as Australia’s finest classical guitarists.

$52 – $65

0 events, 2

0 events, 3

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 2
July 2 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Listening Room #6: New York Minimalism & the Avant Garde

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

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

July 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and the Mendelssohns

July 3 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

July 4
July 4 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 7
July 7 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Darcy Gilkerson – A Glow in the Dark

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 10
July 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 11
July 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

July 11 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

July 12
July 12 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 12 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 13
July 13 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 14
July 14 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák’s Cello Concerto Quick Fix at Half Six

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 17
July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 18
July 18 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

ELISION Ensemble AXIS MUNDI

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Beyond Time Trio – Butterfly Garden

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Inland and Astra: Still Lives

July 19
July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Olive Cullen & Ronan Apcar – Ocean Whisperings

July 20
July 20 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tempo Rubato: Sunday Mattutino – Melbourne Guitar Quartet

July 21
July 21 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

July 22
July 22 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

July 23
July 23 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

Selby & Friends: A Ghostly Afternoon

July 23 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Selby & Friends: A Ghostly Afternoon

July 23 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Astra: Commas and

  • There are no events on this day.
July 25
July 25 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm

Sjaella

July 26
July 26 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Robin Fox – The History of Australian Electronic Music

July 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Homophonic! presents: ‘Moonlite’

July 26 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Orchestra Victoria’s Southbank Series Concert 2: Prismatic Echoes

July 26 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

La La Chorale Française de Melbourne: Bastille Soirée 2025

July 27
July 27 @ 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm

The Classical Collective in Concert

July 27 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Kate Milligan, Louise Devenish, and Aaron Wyatt: Dark Oceanography

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
August 1
August 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

  • There are no events on this day.
August 1
August 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

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

Classic Melbourne’s reviews policy

audio
Our point of differenceby Editor Suzanne Yanko

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Follow us on Facebook

Melbourne Arts Centre

Melbourne Arts Centre

Melbourne Recital Centre

Melbourne Recital Centre

Introducing Classic Melbourne

audio
Speech at launch by Conductor Andrew Wailes

Your browser does not support the audio element.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

@2019 - All Right Reserved.

Classic Melbourne
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Calendar
    • Terms and conditions
    • Apply to post your events
    • Post Your Event
  • Newsletter Signup
  • About
  • Contact

Read alsox

Belshazzar’s Feast

28th May, 2012

ARCO: Classical Melodies

26th May, 2018

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: French Delights

31st October, 2023