A magical journey of music and light at Rockhampton River Festival
Published on 26 September 2022
Rockhampton Regional Council invites River Festival attendees to join acclaimed Australian string ensemble DeepBlue, master percussionist Michael Askill, and Persian violinist Greta Kelly for a euphoric musical experience under the night sky for Song to the Earth by Corrina Bonshek & Collaborators.
Mayor Tony Williams said Song to the Earth will be a sight-to-be-seen when it is performed on our stunning Rod Laver Plaza overlooking the mighty Tunuba on Friday and Saturday of Rockhampton River Festival.
“Song to the Earth is a love-song to the planet where attendees are invited to stroll through a forest of musicians in an immersive, live music event,” Mayor Williams said.
“Song to the Earth invites audiences on a magical journey into an otherworldly space illuminated by large-scale light sculptures by Mimi Dennett and lighting designer Blake Howson, that glow in colour and intensity in response to the music. The performers are lit by wonderous small-scale light installations by visual artist Tiffany Beckwith-Skinner, that evoke natural forms like fern fronds or lyrebird feathers.”
With local school groups and musicians engaged to form part of the show Advance Rockhampton Executive Manager Mr Greg Bowden said Song to the Earth will be an inspiring installation for the whole community to experience.
“Described by audiences as ethereal and a performance that will move you, the contemporary composition by Dr Corrina Bonshek has subverted the approach to what is a classical orchestra; it’s not to be missed,” Mr Bowden said.
This performance of Song to the Earth is supported by Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund – an Australian Government initiative.
Rockhampton River Festival held 7-9 October, will stretch along Quay Street from Fitzroy to William Streets and will this year flow into East Street to support our CBD traders. Festival goers are encouraged to explore the brand-new Art Link from the Rockhampton Museum of Art through Quay Lane and onto East Street for a hive of live music and markets on Saturday and Sunday.
Download the Rockhampton Events app for the full festival program.
You can also follow Rockhampton River Festival on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest news.
Entry to Rockhampton River Festival is free.
Thank you to our sponsors Mr Real Estate Rockhampton, Stanwell, Fitzroy Partnership for River Health, CQ Today, Triple M and 4RO.