Australian Vocal Ensemble, David Malouf and Stephen Leek

AVÉ, the Australian Vocal Ensemble are weaving words and melody to create unique 21st Century Australian voice. Comprising a stellar lineup of internationally acclaimed artists, including Katie Noonan, Fiona Campbell, Andrew Goodwin, and Andrew O’Connor, AVÉ stands as an elite vocal chamber ensemble like no other. Their mission is not only to perform masterfully but also to bridge the realms of creativity through the fusion of poetic words, Australian stories and celebrate Australian artists. 

AVÉ recognises the vital importance of fostering new voices in the Australian musical landscape. This is why they actively engage in commissioning esteemed and emerging composers to set the words of Australia’s most brilliant poets to song. Such collaborations ensure that the timeless beauty of poetry and the expressive power of music continue to thrive through a medium that creates synergies and a platform for storytelling.

Here we delve into a remarkable song shared by AVÉ, one that showcases the extraordinary collaboration between a living Australian poet and their sublime voices as an ensemble. Discover Malouf’s profound words woven into a captivating musical tapestry by Australian composer Stephen Leek.

Stars

The stars have so far to go
alone or in harness
across a window pane.
Hour after hour tonight I’ve journeyed with them, steady the waves of your breath.
Dark space between our beds; on the table a full tumbler splits the lights of stars
to stars, or floats a leaden column of dead water dead sky.
From centuries away, out of the reign
of one of nineteen pharaohs, a planet’s dust, metallic,
alive, is sifted down, hovers in a bright arc upon your cheek.
Miraculous!
I lean across the dark and touch it, you smile in your sleep.
How far, how far we’ve come together, tumbling like stars in harness or alone

Video – AVÉ – Australian Vocal Ensemble: Stars

David Malouf, an iconic figure in Australian literature, is a poet whose words transport readers with rich emotion. With an ability to capture the essence of Australian life and the complexities of human experience, Malouf’s poetry invites us to contemplate the profound beauty of our surroundings. His lyrical mastery and insightful observations have firmly established him as a treasured voice in the realm of Australian poetry.

The Australian Vocal Ensemble will be launching their CD ‘Tumbling Like Stars’ featuring the full Song Cycle of New Australian Compositions at the Brisbane Festival on 10 September 2023. 

Their pursuit of artistic excellence and innovation requires support, and that’s where passionate individuals can contribute to supporting their vision. By supporting the ensemble, you can play an essential role in empowering AVÉ to continue their commissioning work. Your contribution enables the ensemble to commission Australian composers, collaborate with exceptional artists, and provide opportunities for emerging talents to thrive. With your support, they can continue to push artistic boundaries, foster creativity, and contribute to the legacy of Australian music. They’re currently running a campaign through the Australian Cultural Fund here, ending on June 30.