Near fatal accident reason behind show
City of Wodonga 18 Nov 2019

Murray Conservatorium returns to The Cube Wodonga on Saturday with their latest production Joyful Encounters.

Saxophonist Stephen O'Connell inspired the show and its narrative after a near-fatal motorbike accident.

Murray Conservatorium cheif executive officer Jenny O'Hara said Stephen's accident and recovery underpin the theme of the show.

"The show was inspired by the motorbike accident of Stephen and the subsequent journey to recovery and a more enriched life of creativity," she said.

"The show is a vibrant and colourful expression of the unexpected and Joyful Encounters in life. The story is full of courage, creativity and beauty.

"The musicians and visual artist have collaborated closely in the development of the piece. Music and art work seamlessly as an ensemble to tell the story with interaction between the visual art and performers on stage."

Ms O'Hara said the show's artistic elements would be intriguing to view and be a part of.

"The show is multi-layered and can be enjoyed for the lively music and beautiful large-scale visual art projections," she said.

"Joyful Encounters invites people into a beautiful world of story, music and imagery."

The show will feature Lachlan mcintyre (voice), O'Hara (flute), O'Connell (saxophone) and Adrian Smith on drums. It will be directed by Chris Pidd.

"The show opens with a series of light-hearted songs intersperesed with fragments of poetry," she said.

"The second half of the show transports the audience to a place called "illara", where dreams are told and animated visual art immerses the performers and audience in a world of nature, colour and movement.

"Initially in conflict, the three characters come into harmony by the end of the performance."

Joyful Encounters When: Saturday, November 23 Time: 7.30pm Length: 1 hour and 45 minutes, including interval Tickets: $35, concession $30, child $5, members $26.50 Buy online at wod.city/JoyfulEncounters or call the Box Office on (02) 6022 9311.