Living Trees
Living Trees | Montsalvat Barn Gallery
Saturday 18 April, 11am
Living Trees with the Spiritus Ensemble is a journey through the imaginative possibilities of chamber music with flute and strings, spanning the rich lyricism of the Romantic era to the inventive textures of contemporary composition. From the expressive elegance of Max Reger to the vibrant creativity of Marcus Barcham Stevens and the playful, avant-garde gestures of Heitor Villa-Lobos, the program explores how flute, violin, and cello can converse in expressive and surprising ways, balancing lyrical beauty with imaginative experimentation to create a richly textured and captivating musical experience.
Spiritus Ensemble
The Spiritus Ensemble unites three distinguished Melbourne musicians whose careers reflect both artistic excellence and deep collaborative synergy. All alumni of the Australian National Academy of Music, flautist Rachel Lau, violinist Karla Lau (MSO), and cellist Caleb Wong (MSO) bring extensive experience across solo, chamber, and orchestral performance. From early chamber collaborations as children “for fun” to now appearing on prestigious international stages across America and Europe, the heart of their music-making remains the same: vivid storytelling through music and the sharing of beauty to enliven the spirit. Highly sought after and regularly performing worldwide, their collective artistry is defined by refined technique, expressive depth, and a richly connected ensemble sound that elevates both classic and contemporary repertoire.