Vibraphone shares “Secret Songs”
Vibraphone virtuoso Nick Parnell will perform his upbeat jazz-classical blend in concert “Secret Songs” in Warragul on Sunday, October 29.
“Secret Songs”, to be performed at Wesley of Warragul at 3pm, will see Parnell seamlessly braid jazz, world and classical music into one living twist of musical enjoyment.
He will perform vibes with guest pianist Michael Ierace, winner of the 2008 Royal Overseas League Music Competition.
“This show brings together my passions,” said Parnell. “I love jazz, but am classically trained. The music sits between genres, it’s not one or the other but rather blends styles.”
With no stone unturned, the vibes virtuoso has mined the best composers to present “Secret Songs”. The collection includes a world premiere piece composed especially for Parnell.
“Galactic Dances”, by distinguished Australian composer and pianist Joe Chindamo, pictures a ballet troupe travelling to a faraway galaxy and performing an edgy piece in mid-space.
Parnell will also present “A Singing Song”; a solo masterwork of four-mallet pianistic playing style by US vibraphone legend and musical collaborator Gary Burton with jazz great Chick Corea.
Prized by percussionists worldwide, “Carousel” by Dave Friedman and Dave Samuels is an exhilarating, high energy and virtuosic work. Also revealed is the secret version of Gershwin’s “An American in Paris”.
“The music draws inspiration from jazz legends Gary Burton and Chick Corea,” said Parnell. “Joe Chindamo is a big fan of these guys and so you can hear the influence in his piece he composed for me. The program speaks not only lovers of classical music, but to fans of world and jazz music as well.”
Born in the Australian outback, Nick Parnell started teaching himself drums in his parents’ sheep shearing shed at the age of 10.
Such humble beginnings ignited a passion in Parnell that has led to industry acclaim, such as the Centenary of Federation Medal awarded by the Australian Government and appearances with the likes of David Helfgott, Simon Tedeschi and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
As one of the first musicians to bring the vibraphone to the attention of the classical world, Parnell’s ongoing ambition is to break down the elitism of classical music and make it available for everyone to enjoy – something he achieves with enviable mastery through his performances and recordings.
Tickets to the Wesley of Warragul concert are $50 for adults, $45 for concession, $42 for members and groups, and $33 for under 18s.
For bookings or further information, contact the West Gippsland Arts Centre box-office on 5624 2456 or visit wgac.org.au.