Australian Luke Byrne is an internationally recognized composer, musical director, and pianist currently based in London. His recent works include Earthrise, Capricorn, and Desert Sea for Sydney Philharmonia, and Storm Bird, Buruwan Elegy, and Birinyi for the Gondwana Indigenous Children’s Choir in collaboration with the Australian Chamber Orchestra. He also composed Where Sails Once Flew for the Adelaide Chamber Singers. Luke was composer-in-residence for Sydney Children’s Choir in 2012.

Byrne adapted the Brother Grimm’s fairy tales and composed four songs, namely:

1. The Mouse, the Bird & the Sausage

2. The Worn-out Dancing Shoes

3. The Three Snake Leaves

4. Foundling

‘These tales didn’t figure prominently in my childhood, and those that did were filtered through a 20th-century prism that often sanitized and romanticized the characters and scenarios captured by the brothers Grimm. It was only much later in life (when I had my own children) through reading The Singing Bones by the peerless Australian author and artist Shaun Tan that I became fascinated with these rough, gruesome and enthralling stories.’ - Luke Byrne, composer

Experience the enchantment of Luke Byrne’s compositions at our season-opening concert, The Emperor’s New Clothes. Join us along with the dynamic youth choir, Shumayela, for an evening of choral music with theatrical flair. Be sure to dress up and immerse yourself in this unforgettable performance and sounds!

We are excited to feature another Shumayela singer! This week, meet Amaya Figueroa.

I enjoy the community of friends I have made over the past years and the process of making beautiful music with many talented singers. I also enjoy the process of learning and performing new music.

Is there a piece you're currently practicing that you find particularly fun or challenging?

I find the piece "Foundling" particularly challenging because of the syncopated rhythms and the key change in the middle of the piece.

The song "Lost Boy" is fun and enjoyable piece to sing because of the intriguing storyline and beautiful melodies. 

Dress up and strike a pose! 📸

Don’t pack away those Halloween costumes just yet—grab a souvenir from the event. Stay tuned on our social media channels for more announcements!