FINALE to the ‘All-Star World Percussion Spectacular’
Commonwealth Games Cultural Festival 2006
During the Melbourne Commonwealth Games celebrations in 2006 an ‘All-Star World Percussion Spectacular’ arena show was staged at the Myer Music Bowl, featuring Nii Tettey Tetteh and the Kusun Ensemble from Ghana; the Dhol Foundation and Talvin Singh from London; The Renegades, a full Jamaican Steel Orchestra; virtuoso steel pan player Liam Teague from Trinidad and Tobago; and Scrap Arts Music, Canada. Also Bob Becker and Nexus Percussion Ensemble from Canada, Michael Askill and Synergy Percussion Ensemble from Sydney and Evelyn Glennie from the UK – all celebrated legends of contemporary percussion. Additionally, from across Australia over 80 of the country’s best percussion students played in the show alongside the international guest-stars.
It was my great honour and privilege to compose and conduct a FINALE for this superstar ensemble. What an extraordinary experience!
“Huge congratulations and admiration for Sunday night! You made the impossible possible and gave everyone a big buzz as well!! Every percussion festival in the world should get you to do the same thing. Once again…well done!”
Michael Askill, founder and artistic director, Synergy Percussion
