The Riot Ensemble – Arrangements of Five

A generous evening of modern classical music combined local compositions with international pieces to great effect. Augusta Read Thomas’ ‘double helix’ Mansueto tribute was a beautifully intertwining melodic piece, with memorable flourishes and a surprising depth for such a short piece of music. Gustavo Penha’s ‘Estudo Sobre Gravitacao’ was haunting and swirling, evoking a horror movie soundtrack type descent that was unsettling in an enjoyable way. Luke Styles’ Ripples of Como’ solo clarinet piece was tuneful and stunningly played by Timothy Orpen and Aaron Holloway-Nahum’s ‘Arrangements of Five’ featured the five different players channelling different personalities in a rounded, rich composition (including fun, moody detuning) that drew to a startling finale.

Friends’ Meeting House, 14 October 2014

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