Australian composers and a world premiere performance featured in the inaugural On the Terrace: On the Road chamber music festival in Port Augusta.

Held in Port Augusta on 12th & 13th August 2022, the events included:

• A free schools and community concert featuring a performance of The Adventures of Chloe the Orchestra Dog, written by Adelaide composer Bruce Stewart at Lea Memorial Theatre, Friday 12th August 11.30am.

• The world-premiere performance of Soundstream New Music’s DARK:ANTIKYTHERA, written by Gabriella Smart and Daniel Pitman and performed by them at Port Augusta Golf Club, Friday 12th August 7.30pm. DARK is a nocturnal outdoor musical work that incorporates large scale spatial sound technology and instrument customisations to achieve a powerful and immersive audio experience which mirrors the night sky.

• A day of free pop-up chamber ensemble performances in the gallery spaces of the Yarta Purtli Cultural Centre and the Curdnatta Artist’s Platform Gallery on Saturday 13th August. The performances responded thematically to the spaces and exhibitions, with performers providing a conversational introduction to the repertoire, instruments and composers to illuminate and engage audiences.

• A designated events hub within The Barracks at Yarta Purtli, featuring local artists from the Port Augusta Music Club, the Desert Voices choir and instrumental performances from local school students.

The free festival program provided a unique opportunity for those of all ages living in the region to engage with music, and to experience a variety of instrumental ensembles that they may never have heard live.

The two-day festival was presented by CMA in partnership with the Port Augusta Council and through generous funding from ArtsSA’s Touring Support fund, Federal Government RISE funding and the Music Development Office’s Play it LIVE program.