Friday 22 September 2023 from 7pm to 9:30pm
Cicada, from Taiwan, formed in 2009 and consists of violin, cello, piano and acoustic guitar to create Taiwan's first fusion of post-rock and neoclassical. The band is named because "people become aware of their existence through their sound rather than their appearance".
Their music evolves from a feminine perspective in "Over the Sea/Under the Water," shifting later to explore Taiwan's terrain, addressing oceanic themes in "Coastland," and embracing mountain journeys with compositions like "Hiking in the Mist" and "Seeking the Sources of Streams." Their works echo both the island's melodies and individual quests for self, earning them acclaim as a nature-inspired chamber ensemble resonating with soul and mountains.
Invited by Ólafur Arnalds, Cicada opened for his Taipei concert due to their unique style. Their music gained global acclaim, with the "Hiking in the Mist" album nominated at Taiwan's 31st Golden Melody Awards. They were also commissioned to compose the soundtrack for the Japanese movie "A Man," earning a nomination for "Best Film Music" at the esteemed 46th Japan Academy Film Prize.
Cicada's debut Australian tour presents new and past compositions, blending island melodies with Australia's vast landscapes for a unique musical experience.