In a new work devised by composer-linguist K. Travers Eira, the four musicians inhabit and perform in different musical ‘islands’.
Within these contrasting percussive sound worlds, each player explores their physical and timbral environment, finding connections to another’s territory and enabling movement between them.
Original compositions by members of WHACKollective complement Travers’ work, including a piece composed and performed by Goulburn Valley Grammar School ex-student Aditya Ryan Bhat.
These include a musical setting of Chairil Anwar’s poetry, a ritualistic meditation on recycling and new installation work, all engaging with processes of social and ecological change.
Mr Bhat was taught VCE music by now-retired teacher Bruce Archibald.
During his time in the GVGS music department, Mr Bhat had a particular flair for the marimba, often playing pieces with multiple mallets, a skill that takes much practice and precision.
Since leaving Yorta Yorta country, Mr Bhat has completed a Bachelor of Music from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, where he studied under teachers such as Steve Falk and Peter Neville.
While studying for his degree, he also pursued his interests in composition, musicology and the broader humanities.
He said he enjoyed performing in all settings, but was particularly excited by the possibilities offered by chamber music.
Additionally, Mr Bhat is interested in bringing together varied interests, including ‘new’ music, jazz, electronics, improvisation and the Indian musical styles of his heritage.
Mr Bhat is currently undertaking further performance training at the Australian National Academy of Music.
WHACKollective is a percussion quartet that began at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music with the aim of making unique and unconventional contemporary percussion works accessible and relatable to broader audiences.
The ensemble aims to create shared musical experiences that facilitate meaningful connections between audience, performer, composer and music.
WHACKollective said it was excited by the limitless possibilities offered by contemporary percussion music.
Formed in Melbourne in early 2021, the ensemble was drawn together by a shared enthusiasm for music that is theatrical, unusual and visually appealing.
The group’s mission is twofold: to present audiences with music that is not only sonically captivating but also thrilling to behold.
• WHACKollective will perform on Saturday, April 6, at the Shepparton Showgrounds.
One performance will begin at 5pm and the other at 7pm, with each set one hour long.
Tickets can be bought at events.humanitix.com/islands
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