CHRIS CODY

Four stars: fascinating…an exotic soundscape…exceedingly gifted

– The Australian

Enthralling tribute to French explorer…startlingly effective music

– Sydney Morning Herald

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the French Fête de la Musique on June 21st, and in partnership with the French Embassy, Phoenix Central Park invites international pianist and composer Chris Cody to perform his jazz suite Astrolabe.

Lapérouse arrived here just six days after the First Fleet in 1788. After he left these shores a few weeks later he was never seen again, his two ships being shipwrecked near the Solomon Islands.The incredible voyage and disappearance at sea of this French navigator has been an inspiration for Cody to write this work that explores different times and places, identity and the meetings of cultures.

The powerful and moving music draws upon jazz, classical and diverse world music influences inspired by the voyage. There is plenty of space for the musicians to open up and improvise over the different moods, textures and styles, ranging from calm meditation to exuberant joy.

“When I first read about La Pérouse while living in France and before my return to Australia I was struck by some of the resonances of his story. The idea of mounting an expedition to further human knowledge and science, to learn about other peoples and cultures, to journey around the world, and then disappear at sea, against the backdrop of the French revolution all seemed glorious and admirable to me...

On a personal level, I found that this voyage resonated with my own voyage... There are themes in this story of old world versus the new, of departure for the unknown, of respect and reverence for that which we don’t understand, of loss, death and disappearance. And ultimately it’s a story of hope and continuation.”