The British Council Australia's Connections Through Culture grant is supporting something truly remarkable at the upcoming Norfolk & Norwich Festival in May 2025.
'March Static' will showcase the power of international creative collaboration at its best - bringing together an extraordinary lineup of artists and organisations in a unique partnership that spans continents.
Thomas Meadowcroft, the Berlin-based Australian composer behind this ambitious work, is known for his innovative approach to contemporary music and community engagement. CoMA (Contemporary Music for All), the UK-based organisation dedicated to making contemporary music accessible to everyone, brings their expertise in participatory music-making. Melbourne's acclaimed Speak Percussion, one of Australia's leading contemporary music ensembles, contributes their renowned experimental approach to percussion and sound. All the Queens Men, the Australian community-focused arts company, adds their commitment to inclusive, transformative arts experiences that bring people together across all backgrounds.
This innovative site-specific musical work will see dozens of local musicians from across Norwich transform the Haymarket, Forum, and stunning Norwich Cathedral into immersive musical spaces. The project beautifully reimagines the traditional marching band as a celebration of community and peace over military might - a powerful message that resonates deeply in today's world.
The collaboration between these diverse organisations promises to create something magical. Participants will engage with cutting-edge performance techniques including in-ear click tracks, carefully choreographed movement, and site-specific performance elements that will transform Norwich's iconic spaces into living stages. This ambitious project offers local musicians the opportunity to be part of an innovative artistic experience that pushes creative boundaries.
The Norfolk & Norwich Festival, one of England's premier arts festivals, provides the perfect platform for this groundbreaking collaboration. Known for its bold programming and commitment to bringing world-class artists together with local communities, the festival has been celebrating creativity and cultural exchange for decades, making it an ideal home for this innovative international partnership.