debase's CONCERTO FOR HARMONY AND PRESTO Comes to QPAC, 29 March-2 April

Concerto for Harmony and Presto, a lively new work commissioned by Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) with Brisbane and Melbourne based theatre company debase, will debut to the delight of families these Easter holidays from 29 March to 2 April 2016.

A 50 minute show that is perfect for children from 3 years old and over; packed-full of colourful costumes and quirky bric-a-brac-turned-musical-instruments, Concerto for Harmony and Presto features a compelling story combining musical ingenuity and playful performances that explores music as a communication tool for overcoming difference.

Harmony likes to have everything just so. One day her ordered existence is disturbed: Presto has arrived dragging a cart bursting with a wild array of bric-a-brac, odds and ends. Harmony suspiciously eyes Presto and his cart full of junk. He's a vagabond, a stranger in a new place. She tries to ignore him - until the cart transforms before her eyes into a mountain of musical possibility. Sound. Rhythm. Harmony. Presto! Another place and time! Harmony discovers that music is everywhere.

Theatrical and enchanting, this all new production is brought to Queensland families by debase, through QPAC'sOut of the Box commissioning program.

Out of the Box Festival Director Brett Howe said that this work builds on QPAC's already considerable experience in curating, commissioning and producing work for children, most notably through its longstanding biennale Out of the Box festival.

"It is a natural extension for QPAC to be creating new work for children throughout the year. For this unique production we are delighted to be partnering with debase theatre, an innovative Australian company who are comic theatre specialists," said Mr Howe.

Concerto for Harmony and Presto is written and performed by debase productions co founder, comic actor and clown Liz Skitch (Harmony) and Melbourne musical chameleon Don Voyage (Presto).

Liz Skitch said, "We wanted to create a really playful and joyful show for children, that celebrates the extraordinary power of music as a communication tool ... and as the key to unlocking the imagination.

"debase's children's theatre strives to please young audiences with really funny characters and stories that fill theatres with laughter - while at the same time exploring some of life's biggest challenges. Concerto for Harmony and Presto shares with audiences a story of two very different people becoming friends. The show demonstrates the capacity of generosity.

"I love performing in this show because I get to work with a beautiful set, instruments and a puppet called Lucy. Lucy and I have become great mates! Also I play a bunch of crazy musical instruments made out of bottles, bells and old tea chests and things. Fun! Oh and I also work with my husband, Don Voyage.

"debase has been creating brilliant new comedies since 1998 and is well known for its critically acclaimed children's productions Hurry Up and Wait and Lily Can't Sleep, the latter of which was described by The West Australian, Perth, as "... easily pass(ing) the great test of theatre for children ... smart, raucous and irrepressible"," said Skitch.

Don't miss Concerto of Harmony and Presto, a musically eclectic and lively performance for the whole family, from 29 March to 2 April 2016. To book go to qpac.com.au or phone 136-246.

The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is located within Queensland's vibrant cultural precinct at South Bank, Brisbane. The Centre is focused on creating a world where the performing arts matter to everyone. Welcoming more than 1.4 million visitors and presenting over 1200 performances annually the QPAC experience extends beyond the theatre with a range of unique spaces to eat, drink, and enjoy free live entertainment.

Visit www.qpac.com.au to learn more about Queensland's Centre for live performance and the range of exciting events and initiatives on offer year round. To come a little closer to QPAC find out more about QPAC Membership here.

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