Homophonic! BYOB*

Artistic Director, Miranda Hill, has steered this project for several years and successfully focused attention on the achievements of queer composers, singers and musicians. The many delightful, sometimes poignant, stories behind these works have been recorded and recounted by Hill in the most entertaining and endearing manner. These events are often an oasis or refuge for individuals whose sexuality is taken to be at odds with the mainstream. Hill has adapted this musical celebration of queer identity to COVID times and invented this ingenious format that allows for a more intimate musical encounter.

24 half hour performances, 8 iconic and unexpected duos across 4 days with 1 booking per show. The BYOB (Bring Your Own Bubble) format is an ideal way to work around pandemic induced restrictions and the advantage is that it creates a very personal experience. The audience can form a social bubble, attend the performances as a group and the seating configuration is adapted to the bubble.

Yet again, Hill has managed to devise a unique experience. Homophonic! BYOB* opened with original music composed by Jacob Abela and performed along with Kaylie Melville. This extremely original approach to the instruments (Synths and Percussion) produces a range of reversals. Abela describes the compositions as externalising an interior state. The sense of turning things inside out can be seen in the approach to the instruments which are explored internally as well as externally. The soundscape that is produced is light and performed with delicacy. The varied melodies and rhythm are transcendent and allow the imagination to drift weightlessly along with the music.  

Homophonic! is an unmissable tradition that continues to be a refreshing antidote to some of the darker realities that currently surround us.    

Patricia Di Risio