Bach to Brazil: Nick Parnell

One man, 50 instruments Nationally acclaimed percussionist Nick Parnell brings his Perth exclusive performance of Bach to Brazil to Don Russell Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday 22 September at 8pm. This award-winning percussionist is one man playing 50 instruments in a high energy performance of Brazilian rhythms and soaring classical melodies. A leader in the new generation of classical performers, this Adelaide-based musician breaks traditional boundaries by combining the exotic sounds of world music with the traditional works of Bach, Chopin and Gershwin. Parnell’s musicianship is brilliant – he is the master of the vibraphone, bamboo chimes, ethnic drums, woodblocks, piano, gongs, cymbals and the marimba. Bach to Brazil is a showcase of Parnell’s classical repertoire, interpreted with a new sound, sitting in between the genres of jazz, classical and world music. Parnell began teaching himself the drums at age 10 and now holds a Bachelor qualification in Music, Honours and Masters degrees in Percussion Performance and has just completed his PHD at the Elder Conservatorium of Music at The University of Adelaide. His impressive repertoire includes solo performances with Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, and ensemble performances with the Australian String Quartet, English National Ballet and the Russian Ballet Company. The highlight of Bach to Brazil is Parnell’s interpretation of Brazilian composer and percussionist Rosauro’s 27-minute masterpiece Brazilian Rhapsody. “Brazilian Rhapsody is a journey through the lush and endangered rainforests of Brazil. At times it meanders through evocative bird song and the sound of rustling grasses and then it thunders through tumultuous disturbances,” says Parnell. “It’s a rarely performed work that leaves the listener alive with the rhythmic colour of this sensuous and passionate place.” Admission is $29 standard, $24.70 concession, $21.10 students and $21.10 for groups of 10 or more. For bookings or information, please call 9493 4577 or visit www.gosnells.wa.gov.au and click on the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre link to buy tickets online.