BRAIDED LIGHT
In Braided Light, Syrinx explore the many ways light defines our existence—from the cosmic and celestial to the deeply personal.
We begin in total darkness. From that silence, Alice Chance and David Lang act as architects of choral harmony, using minimalist patterns to invoke the very first light of the creation story. As the stage gradually brightens, Timothy Corlis’s cycle, Heart Songs of the White Wampum, reminds us how that same light is woven into our shared history and cultures, while Joan Szymko’s Braided Light captures the luminous threads that connect our hearts.
Finally, as we look upward, we encounter the mystical night sky through Ola Gjeilo’s Northern Lights and Ēriks Ešenvalds’ Stars. These works translate the ‘shifting and swirling’ energy of the aurora into celestial, harmonic textures that bridge the gap between Earth and the heavens.
Join Syrinx on this journey from the first light of creation to the inner light that connects us all.
DATE & TIME
SUNDAY, 24 MAY
6:00 – 7:30 PM
TICKETS
GENERAL $30
CONCESSION $25
Under 18 Free
SYRINX – vocal ensemble
Syrinx, meaning the ‘vocal organ of songbirds’ is an all-female Northern Rivers a capella ensemble who breathe new life into classic musical compositions and explore a more contemporary classical repertoire. Like songbirds welcoming the new day with joyful song, they delight in sharing their joy of music. Formed originally out of a musicianship class in Mullumbimby the group has expanded since under the leadership of their musical director Hamsa Arnold. Syrinx are performing concerts regularly since 2019 and have become known as one of the finest choral ensembles in the Northern Rivers.
OUR FEATURED GUEST ARTISTS
CATHARINA KEMP
Clarinet, bass Clarinet
Catharina is a clarinettist and music educator with a deep love for musical exploration and expressive performance. Her work spans a wide range of genres, and she is particularly drawn to improvisation and music that allows performers to bring their own voice to the stage. Having studied in Sydney with some of Australia’s finest clarinettists, Catharina brings both breadth of experience and genuine enthusiasm to her music‑making. She is passionate about sharing that love of the clarinet with others, inspiring musicians of all ages through teaching, collaboration, and performance.
DAVID KEMP
MARIMBA, BENDIR (DRUM)
Dave is a versatile musician with a deep curiosity for sound and musical exploration. His work spans heavy rock through to classical marimba, and he is equally at home in the orchestral section or delivering a swinging jazz solo on vibraphone. Dave studied at the Queensland Conservatorium, and a busy performance schedule in 2026 will see him performing with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, the Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra, his ensemble Zenekar, his rock band Kalatone, and a wide range of other projects.
PROGRAM
aLICE CHANCE
Fiat Lux
David Lang
Evening, Morning, Day
Timothy Corlis
Heart Songs of the White Wampum
EVELYN GLENNIE
Little Prayer – Clarinet & Marimba
JOAN SZYMKO, arr. SYrinx
Braided Light
YALE STORM
Dorohoi Khusidl – Clarinet & Bendir
OLA GJEILO
Northern Lights
OLAFUR ARNALDS
Raddir – Voices
ERIKS ESENVALDS
Stars