For EXTRA Alchemy Consort present a series of choral music performances dedicated to humanity’s enduring fascination with weather and celestial bodies. Over three nights celebrate the universal connection between people and the natural world. Through a curated repertoire, Alchemy Consort delve into the rich tapestry of musical scores that have been inspired by weather phenomena and its impact on us individually and collectively.
Alchemy Consort’s performances are set within the immersive space of NGV Triennial, artist Franziska Furter’s work Liquid skies/Gyrwynt, which explores the recurring theme of weather as a powerful force that shapes the world around us. Her large-scale installation comprises an intricate sculpture made of thousands of glass beads, suspended above a monumental wool rug depicting infrared imagery of hurricanes.
Set amongst the NGV’s 19th century international painting collection, the two elements together create an atmospheric experience of the natural world that invites audiences to contemplate the weather as an essential part of our lives.
Alchemy is a chamber ensemble of vocalists who explore dynamic programming of old and new music. Led by director Dr. Gary Ekkel, Alchemy undertakes interdisciplinary collaborations, experiments with use of space and movement, and creates experiences to captivate and inspire. Since commencing in 2021, the ensemble has undertaken projects such as The Gunpowder Plot, an immersive performance exploring the spaces within a disused gunpowder storage facility; Renaissance Woman, a collaboration with baroque harpist Hannah Lane and dancer Arianna Marchiori; and film project Trois Beaux Oiseaux with filmmaker Tim Isaacson and movement director Walt Isaacson.
