Chris Cody Presents ASTROLABE- Suite For La Pérouse

Internationally-renowned Australian pianist and composer, Chris Cody, alongside his all-star band featuring some of the country's finest jazz musicians, will present Astrolabe, Suite for La Prouse at Riverside Theatres in August.

A powerful musical journey, Astrolabe is inspired by French navigator Jean-Francois de La Prouse's voyage to Australia on the ship, L'Astrolabe, in 1788. Prouse arrived in Botany Bay only six days after the First Fleet and vanished just weeks after leaving Australian shores.

Cody's work draws upon jazz, classical and diverse world music influences to take audiences on a vibrant and exciting musical odyssey. It delves into differently imagined times, cultures and places to celebrate discovery and adventure spanning the globe.

Cody says, "I found that [La Perouse's] voyage resonated with my own voyage to France and later back to Australia. I was challenged to grow as a musician as well as explore my identity and dreams. There are themes in this work of old world versus new world, the unknown and of loss, death and disappearance. Ultimately, it's a story of hope and continuation."

The concert also features actor Simon Wilton (Melbourne Theatre Company, Ensemble Theatre, Belvoir) reading extracts from the ship's journal. These moving, first-hand accounts from La Prouse reveal an insight into the voyage, his thirst for knowledge, and first contact with Indigenous people. The Astrolabe Suite experience is further enhanced by superb visual elements including projections of the ship, sea and skyscapes by renowned photographer and video artists Paul Faure-Brac and Frank Crews.

With: Chris Cody composition and piano, Lachlan O'Donnell violin, Matt Ottignon saxophone, bass clarinet and flute, James Greening trombone and didgeridoo, Tom Avgenicos trumpet, Emily Rose Sarkova accordion, Lloyd Swanton bass and Fabien Havia drums and percussion.

Tickets: Adult $47, Concession $42. Available https://riversideparramatta.com.au/show/astrolab-suite-for-la-perouse or from the Box Office (02) 8839 3399. Discounts available for Riverside Theatres' Members. Transaction fees: phone $4.60, web $3.60 and counter $2.60.

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