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The Red Tree

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

12 Jul '08
Llewellyn Hall
Australian National University

Inspired by the haunting and beautiful illustrations of Shaun Tan's acclaimed book The Red Tree, Richard Tognetti, together with up-and-coming composer Michael Yezerski join forces with Lyn Williams's Gondwana Voices children's choir to create a moving and powerful soundtrack to Tan's award-winning work.

The Red Tree is the story of a girl who feels increasingly lost and alone but ultimately finds hope. This dream-like tale is told through images set in distinct imaginary worlds. The girl finds herself in a series of surreal landscapes, from a city street overshadowed by a giant fish to a frenetic and surreal stage in front of a faceless audience and a narrow passageway marred by towering, menacing figures. In what promises to be a unique and extraordinary performance, the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Gondwana Voices perform Tognetti and Yezerski's stirring new soundtrack to the backdrop of the Australian author and artist's evocative images.

Also featured on the program is Tan's The Arrival which tells the story of an immigrant in his journey to find a new life entirely through images. Tan's stunning illustrations provide the perfect soundtrack for Shostakovich's final composition, String Quartet No. 15, an emotional composition about facing the unknown without fear.

Michelle Ho