Media Release

Music festival with Voltage

View photos from concert >

The Faculty of Creative Arts School of Music and Drama is pleased to present a new and innovative music production.  This festival of music titled Voltage is presented over two nights and is this sessions final concert from 3rd Year Sound-Composition and Production students. Voltage will also feature the extraordinary talents of visiting composer and musician, Paul Elwood.

Voltage: 1 & 2 June  @ 7.00pm
Friday Session: New works by 3rd year students
Saturday Session: Feature artist Paul Elwood, accompanied by FCA staff & students
Venue: FCA Performance Space
Tickets: Single session  - Adults $12, Con. $8 or Double session - Adults $20, Con. $15
Bookings: 4221 4889

On Friday night the audience will be treated to an explosion of new music in a variety of genres.  These original pieces, written mostly for this event, are the creation of final year Sound-Composition and Production students.  The collection of works incorporates a vast array of musical styles including traditional piano, progressive rock, blues guitar, electronic audio-visual, cello, saxophone and an acoustic guitar piece in a Spanish style.  Over twenty students are involved in the production and performance of this once-only concert and the event highlights the unmistakable musical talent and experience enjoyed by the School.

The Voltage festival continues on Saturday evening when 1st / 2nd year students and staff of the Faculty of Creative Arts are joined by visiting artist Paul Elwood.  Paul currently joins the School of Music and Drama for a two-week Artist-in-Residency program, sharing his knowledge and skills with both students and Faculty members during his stay.  He is an Associate Professor of Music Theory and composition at Brevard College in North Carolina, USA and a widely respected composer. 

His performance on Saturday will demonstrate his roots in traditional bluegrass banjo as well as featuring some free improvisation and new music.  Described as "astounding" with a no-holds barred approach to "pickin like ma" Paul Elwoods banjo experience shouldn't be missed!   In addition to this treat, students have created new arrangements in tribute to the 40th anniversary of The Beatles album, Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, which was first released on 1 June 1967.

This is Paul Elwoods first visit to Australia and he says he has been very impressed with what hes seen so far.  He describes the student cohort as enthusiastic and very creative and of Wollongong says, This is the closest thing to paradise I've seen!