On the terrace

On The Terrace is a pop-up music experience on North Terrace showcasing 40 musicians!

Hosted by Chamber Music Adelaide, this year's On The Terrace event was a great success. The showcase started with Dem Mob hip-hop musicians who played outdoors on the South Australian Museum's front lawn. From there, it was a pick-your-own-adventure, with various artists playing throughout the day in 20-minute or so intervals. Given some artists were playing again later in the afternoon, if you missed some of their session or wanted to see another act, you could just visit them later. 

My first pick for the morning was James Logan who played a 17th-century 'lute' replica. With 20 strings and a holeless body, it looked like a very odd, old guitar. The music was beautiful and he played to a full room in the South Australian Museum. 

Second, Nathan May & Julian Ferraretto who sang and played guitar, violin and what I think was some sort of round guitar. They were in the art gallery which made for a nice relaxed atmosphere also surrounded by beautiful Aboriginal and Indigenous People's art. 

Third, in the room next door, were Noriko Tadano & Allen Edwards who played the traditional Japanese shamisen alongside a didgeridoo. Despite the odd pair, it sounded amazing and was a phenomenal example of blended cultures. Noriko also sang a traditional folksong accompanied solely by the didgeridoo. 

Fourth, in the same room was the Opal Guitar Quartet who demonstrated not only their mastery of the instrument but incredible teamwork and timing to play in sync with four people. The group played two original compositions and was so stunning to listen to. 

Fifth, in another nook of the gallery, was the Adelaide Baroque Duo playing the recorder and viol in traditional baroque style. A surprising but beautiful blend of the two instruments was fun to watch, especially the uplifting tunes. 

Finally, the Celia Craig Trio improvised together comprising an oboe, electric guitar and trumpet. The music was inspired by colourful paintings on display in the Elder Wing of the gallery. While I was only able to stay for a little while, it was fascinating to see completely improvised music from three such different instruments. 

The showcase is only for one day, but if you are a music and culture lover, I strongly recommend going to see it next year. Even better, the tickets are completely free so perfect for students