The Night Parrot

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Presented by

Queensland Music Festival, Bush Heritage Australia, Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Winton Shire Council

Featuring

Morgan England-Jones with the Acacia Quartet

Overview

Music and conservation unite to tell the enchanting story of one of the world’s most elusive birds.

In a world premiere, the enchanting story of one of the world’s most elusive birds will come to life through an intimate night of chamber music.

For nearly a century, the night parrot was believed to be extinct. That is until recently, when the species was sighted nestled amongst the spinifex in regional Queensland. Now, for the first time ever, the extraordinary story of this mysterious bird is being shared through music, with the world premiere of a commissioned work by revered Australian composer, Jessica Wells.

Inspired by the melodic and haunting call of the night parrot, the composition features Mackay-born soprano Morgan England-Jones and Acacia Quartet to evocatively convey the plight of this elusive species.

The concert will also feature additional repertoire inspired by birds from Australian composers Colin Brumby, Alfred Hill, John Spence, Alan Tregaskis and Sally Whitwell.

Join us on this magical journey of the night parrot as a century-long mystery comes to life.

Featuring

Morgan England-Jones

Acacia Quartet

String Arrangements

Steve Newcomb

Sally Whitwell

Acknowledgements

The Night Parrot composition is commissioned by Queensland Music Festival and Bush Heritage Australia. The Winton performance is supported by Tim Fairfax Family Foundation.