The Bespoke Artists Program supports independent, early-mid career composers, musicians, sound/ performance artists and arts workers with a focus on career sustainability. Across this two year program, participants receive professional development in three key areas; business, career and artistic leadership.

FROM OUR CHAIR:

“Since the company’s inception in 2000, Eugene Ughetti has been a driving force at Speak Percussion. For more than two decades, he has been at the forefront of progressive music practice, regularly conceiving and delivering ambitious works: he has pushed the boundaries and challenged the norms of percussion and post-instrumental practice.

This year, with our company in strong health, he has decided to leave Speak Percussion and pursue the next chapter of his career. Our Board cannot say enough about the incredible contribution of Eugene to not only our organisation, but also, the broader art music and percussion communities. His impact and influence has extended beyond Australia: he has developed a revered and respected international reputation for Speak Percussion. We sincerely wish Eugene all the best for his future endeavours and thank him for his efforts.

Looking forward, the company is thrilled to have Kaylie Melville as our new Artistic Director.  Over more than ten years, her dedication to the company, percussion and the music community in general place her in the best position to build on our successes, grow the organisation and advance our work.  She is a phenomenal musician, a respected thinker and a gifted artist. We all eagerly await the coming years of adventurous music productions under her leadership.”

– Owen McKern, Chair of the Board

Test Flight is a platform for hybrid practice in music and contemporary performance, created by Speak Percussion and Chamber Made. This opportunity is for artists to share work at its early stage of development, and get feedback from industry and peers. Test Flight is a low stress, light touch, supportive context for artists at all stages of practice.

Improvised music, storytelling, and local flavours converge in Edition No. 11 of Percussion, Conversation, Degustation — an ongoing experiment integrating sound, words, and food.

A tideline is the ocean’s signature: an ever-changing, tangled boundary of foam and seaweed, driftwood and debris, calm and turbulence. 

Three clay pigeon shooters take centre stage. Fluorescent targets hurtle through the air, whistling and leaving debris in their wake.

“It’s been exciting to share Speak Percussion’s innovative work in the art music and music theatre spaces.”

The UK premiere of Thomas Meadowcroft’s work March Static featured the artists of Speak Percussion, alongside a wonderful community of local musicians and festival volunteers.

Speculations on a Chinese Australian sonic history.

A weekend of sonic experiments by Speak Percussion’s Bespoke Artists.