Thursday 25 April 2013

Gemma Turvey & The New Palm Court Orchestra SYDNEY PREMIERE CONCERT – APRIL 2013



Melbourne pianist/composer Gemma Turvey leads her exciting chamber ensemble The New Palm Court Orchestra on tour to Sydney and Canberra at the end of April, giving premiere performances at the Sydney Opera House’s famous Utzon Room and The Great Hall at University House in Canberra.

Fresh from launching their stunning new album Landscapes for a Mind’s Eye, these concerts will feature music from their new CD, as composed by the NPCO’s Artistic Director, pianist/composer Gemma Turvey.

Gemma established The New Palm Court Orchestra in 2011 as a natural extension of her jazz piano trio; providing a broader canvas for her evocative compositions.

The NPCO is a core of nine players, lead by Gemma on piano who brings together musicians from classical, jazz and world disciplines for this ensemble. Their album Landscapes for a Mind’s Eye also features accomplished soloists Craig Beard on vibraphone, singers from Ensemble Gombert and a rare performance of Uilleann pipes. Many of the musicians also play regularly with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Melbourne Chamber Orchestra.

Landscapes for a Mind's Eye is Gemma’s third commercial release, and first featuring the NPCO. The album is as the name suggests - a collection of beautifully crafted musical landscapes designed to transport and inspire the listener. They launched the album with a stand out concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre Salon during the 2012 Melbourne Fringe Festival. Along with the Sydney and Canberra performances, the NPCO also have a string of Queensland dates set for later in the year.

“We’re all really looking forward to taking the music on the road this year,” says Gemma. “I’m especially excited to be bringing the NPCO to Sydney and Canberra for the first time.”

Palm Court Orchestras were popular in the 1920's and 30's for playing light instrumental music in an intimate setting. The NPCO injects this seductive format with a new and fresh vitality, delivering a stunning, rich palette of beautifully evocative original music.

Proudly sponsored by Ben Aulich & Associates, Aulich Civil Law and Stones of the Yarra Valley. Supported by Latitude Travel.

Landscapes for a Mind’s Eye is on sale now at www.gemmaturvey.com, iTunes and ABC Shops.

Performance Summary

7:30pm Friday 26th April SYDNEY
Sydney Opera House - Utzon Room
Tickets $45/$35
Phone 02 9250 7777

7:30pm Saturday 27th April CANBERRA
The Great Hall, University House
1 Balmain Crescent, Acton, Canberra
Tickets $45/$35