On Saturday 11th October The School of Music's affiliated ensemble Topology performed for Armistice - a theatrical show held at QPAC that reflected on Australia’s wartime and peace-keeping history; combining song, music, dance, spoken word and archival footage.
Marking 100 years since the end of WWI, Armistice recognised a centenary of service, sacrifice and achievement by the Australian Armed Forces.
Senior lecturer Robert Davidson (Topology) presented his work Melancholy Duty - a composition that sets Prime Minister R.G. Menzies' infamous radio broadcast (announcing Australia's entrance into the war with Germany) to music. This piece was chosen due to its direct relationship to the second World War, and was dramatised with acted scenes, and images from war artists and photographers.Topology also performed works by Paul Kelly and other Australian songs that were related to the nations involvement in global conflicts since 1918.
Robert's work has been previously released on Topology's album "The Singing Politician".
Topology were joined by a collection of Australian artists including Brisbane theatre specialists and actors Ellen Bailey, Andrew Buchanan, Tom Oliver, Kurt Phelan, Naomi Price, Bryan Probets, Kristian Santic, Toni Scanlon, and Tibian Wyles. The performance also featured singers John Schumann* (I Was Only 19), leading Australian didgeridoo player and composer William Barton and acclaimed Brisbane based choir The Australian Voices.
Audiences can see Topology next weekend in Bonnah and the Pine Mountain as they perform Queensland at Home (another Robert Davidson work) or in Sydney the following weekend, playing with tap dancer Bill Simpson and drummer Grant Collins in preparation for their new album with the two artists.
Find out more about Topology's performances.
