SIMA is excited to announce a stunning preview of its Jazz Now: Summer series and welcome the Australian Art Orchestra to Sydney for this unique cross cultural celebration ‘Of Deities And Demons’.

In a rapturous celebration of ancient Sri Lankan culture, audiences will dive into an ecstatic journey of music and ritualistic dance with Baliphonics. In a gala of music, light and dance, led by Susantha Rupathilaka and Prasanna Rupathilka and featuring drummer Sumudi Suraweera, this performance will draw upon an astrological healing practice known as Bali Ritual, in which deities are invoked and demons exorcised. These age-old rituals will be brought to life together with the full force of the Australian Art Orchestra (AAO), thrilling audiences through an intense and visceral experience.

“Sri Lanka’s music traditions are extraordinary and Australia has a large Sri Lankan diaspora that has had a significant impact on our culture. Yet in general we know very little about Sri Lankan music. Of Deities and Demons creates an opportunity to hear three master Sri Lankan musicians performing with Australia’s most daring contemporary music ensemble, the Australian Art Orchestra.” – Peter Knight

Under the leadership of daring composer, trumpeter, and sound artist Peter Knight, AAO constantly seeks to stretch genres and break down the barriers separating disciplines, forms and cultures. It explores the interstices between the avant-garde and the traditional, between art and popular music, between electronic and acoustic approaches, and creates music that traverse the continuum between improvised and notated forms.

This is the first time the Sydney Improvised Music Association has had the pleasure of hosting the Australian Art Orchestra to present this superb night of dance and music in the wonderfully atmospheric surrounds of the Annandale Creative Arts Centre.

Featuring:

Sumudi Suraweera – composer, drummer and music producer
Susantha Rupathilaka – dance and voice
Prasanna Rupathilaka – dance, yak bera and voice
Reuben Derrick – clarinets
Peter Knight – trumpet
Reuben Lewis – trumpet
Mary Rapp – cello
Carl Dewhurst – guitar