Music & Tea at Wollongong Art Gallery: A Percussion Odyssey

Join emerging concert artists Grace Lee and Michael de Huy and discover the beauty of the marimba in dialogue with the piano. With its broad range and warm, resonant wooden bars, the marimba allows a single performer to combine rich harmonies, bass lines, and lyrical melodies.

With a history dating back to 13th-century West Africa, the instrument has evolved over time, including 5-octave marimbas, which Grace will perform on. Grace will also give the world premiere of Michael de Huy's 'Dialogues for Marimba and Piano.'

Michael de Huy, Dialogue for Marimba and Piano (World Premiere)
Written especially for the Emerging Artist Concert Series, this new work by pianist and composer Michael de Huy explores the musical dialogue between marimba and piano. De Huy previously performed as a soloist in the series.

Keiko Abe, Variations on Japanese Children's Songs
Traditional folk melodies transformed through variations that explore changing colours, textures
and emotions.

Jacob Druckman, Reflections on the Nature of Water, IV. Gently Swelling
Flowing melodic lines and layered textures evoke the gentle rise and fall of waves.

Eric Sammut, Four Rotations pour Marimba – Rotations II
Rotation II blends jazz harmonies with subtle rhythmic shifts.

Kevin Puts, Marimba Concerto (1997)
Inspired by Mozart's piano concertos, this piano reduction creates an intimate dialogue between marimba and piano, moving from lyrical reflection to exhilarating virtuosity.