Free Music - Music in Motion

Making music through motion - an inclusive sonic journey.

Music In Motion Ensemble presents 'Lolling Lagoon' - an immersive journey where the artists of YourDNA Creative Arts explore the magic of collective music making through movement using live musical instruments and found sounds, live and pre-recorded vocal and sound effects, and wireless technology called AirSticks to explore, manipulate and control sounds. The performers collaborate through gestures and movement, transforming the air around them into an instrument that brings to life the sounds of their world in unexpected and delightful ways.

The show unfolds like a living, breathing story, guiding audiences through a rich tapestry of sonic environments. At its heart stands the Sound Tree - a musical instrument where performers' movements and interactions branch into intricate layers of sound, creating a musical ecosystem.

Presented during the week of the International Day of People with Disability, this showcase represents the culmination of a year-long creative journey and continuation of a two-year collaborative relationship. From 2024's ground-breaking performance in accessible music-making, this diverse group of YourDNA artists has extended their musical creativity in new ways. Through a process of co-design and experimentation, each artist has discovered their own unique approach to turning gestures into sound, developing personal vocabularies of movement that create distinctive rhythms and melodies.

Working alongside interactive artists, each performer has developed their individual style - from sweeping melodic gestures to intricate rhythmic patterns. These individual voices come together in a symphony that seamlessly blends nature and urban soundscapes, creating something greater than the sum of its parts. 'Lolling Lagoon' demonstrates how collaborative music-making can create powerful connections between performers and audiences, while telling our shared stories in new and exciting ways.

The Sound Tree design and development was supported by an Arts Grant from Maroondah City Council. The AirSticks project was supported by the Australian Research Council, Monash University, SensiLab, and YourDNA Creative Arts.

Tickets

Free Music is free to attend, however tickets are required. Tickets are only available from one hour prior to the event, via the Box Office.

Group 10+

For bookings over 10+ people, please notify our Box Office during business hours on 03 9699 3333 or email boxoffice@melbournerecital.com.au so we can accommodate you.

Artists & Facilitators

Artists

Caz Fulcher-Meredith 
James Graham
Matthew Whibley
Tim Rodway 
Heather Kontreck

Facilitators

Susannah Breaden 
Zya Kane
Matty Barker
Steph O'Hara

YourDNA Creative Arts

Established in 2013, YourDNA Creative Arts is a community-based arts organisation committed to developing the lives of people of all abilities through arts-based courses. Its programs are designed to be accessible to people of all ages who are considered to have physical and intellectual disabilities. YourDNA Creative Arts empowers people to impact society in which they live, by unlocking their imaginations.

YourDNA's Music in Motion students and facilitators co-designed and developed the Sound Tree together with professional musician Matt Stonehouse. With the Sound Tree and in collaboration with Steph O'Hara, they presented a highly successful performance at the Salon on the International Day of People with Disability in 2024. They are excited to return in 2025 to share further developments of their works.

The performers explore many different sounds, moods and textures, creating music as a group and with the wider community. Their beautiful Sound Tree has inspired them to imagine stories: creating soundscapes and words from their experiences and the built and natural worlds around us.

Steph O'Hara 

Steph O'Hara is an interactive sound artist and researcher based in Melbourne (Naarm), Australia. With over two decades of experience at the forefront of interactive audio innovation, his work has been presented and acclaimed internationally.

His installations and interfaces have captivated audiences at renowned cultural institutions, including the Melbourne Museum's Pauline Gandel Children's Gallery, Melbourne Zoo After Dark Festival and OzAsia Festival, Perth Festival, Sydney Festival. He has also toured his work internationally including China, USA and the United Kingdom. Currently pursuing a PhD at SensiLab, Monash University, under the supervision of ARC Industry Fellow, Dr Alon Ilsar, Steph's research explores 'The Future of Creative Interactions: Adaptive Sensor Technologies for Inclusive Immersive Experiences,' pushing the boundaries of accessible, expressive audio experiences through human-computer interaction.