An expedition across Iceland has inspired a new work by Morgan Hickinbotham, to be developed during a residency at the UKARIA Cultural Centre.
The Australian composer, producer and image-maker is the latest recipient of the UKARIA residency, which is delivered by the Australia Council in partnership with UKARIA.He says he will draw from a recent trek across Vatnajökull, Iceland (and Europe's) largest glacier:
"While on the glacier, guided by scientists from the Icelandic Glaciological Society, I made sound recordings of both the environment as well as the movements of the glacier itself. Taking sound material gathered on an expedition, I have created a new experimental sound composition in five parts," Morgan Hickinbotham said.
"Over the course of the UKARIA residency, I will be working with Melbourne-based vocal ensemble, Khyaal (Aarti Jadu, Aurora Darby, Mel Taylor & Siobhan Housden) to transcribe the composition to a purely vocal arrangement."
"The composition explores how we can relate to, and comprehend, monumental changes of an environment, propelled by climate change, that are happening on timescales beyond our natural lifespans."
CEO of UKARIA Alison Beare said:
"We recognise the importance of providing spaces for the creation of new work, particularly as the music industry works to recover from the impact of recent years. Through this partnership with the Australia Council, we've supported eight artists since 2018, and we are delighted to welcome Morgan as our ninth resident."
Australia Council Head of Music Kirsty Rivers said:
"UKARIA provides a unique setting and state of the art facilities for music artists to create and collaborate. We can't wait to experience this unique and ambitious new work by Morgan Hickinbotham, in collaboration with Melbourne-based vocal ensemble Khyall."
UKARIA is ideally located in Mt Barker, and provides a unique regional setting, only 30 minutes from Adelaide. The opportunity supports residencies for up to ten days at the cultural centre in the picturesque Adelaide Hills and provides financial support the creation of new work.
The residency program between the Australia Council and UKARIA is proudly supported by Ulrike Klein AO.
