April concert features Australian composers and world-renowned didgeridoo musician
HYANNIS, MA—March 7, 2023
Audiences at Cape Symphony’s Passport Down Under concerts on April 1 and 2, 2023, conducted by Australian Carolyn Watson, will go on a provocative musical journey that includes rarely performed symphonic music from Australian composers and Aboriginal music created by the world's pre-eminent didgeridoo musician, William Barton.
“The hallmark of our Passport Series is authenticity, so I’m thrilled that we are able to bring William Barton to Cape Cod because it’s truly a coup for us to present this international superstar,” said Jung-Ho Pak, Artistic Director & Conductor, Cape Symphony. “William has performed with the London and Berlin Philharmonics, and blends the worlds of European classical music and his own Kalkadunga heritage with the unique sounds of the didgeridoo to create extraordinary musical experiences.”
The program includes two original pieces for orchestra and didgeridoo composed and performed by William Barton, as well as a medley of movie music from such Australian classics as Babe, Crocodile Dundee, and Gallipoli; the unofficial Australian national anthem “Waltzing Matilda”; an orchestral version of “Down Under” by Men at Work; a nod to New Zealand with Symphonic Suite from The Fellowship of the Ring by Academy Award-winning Howard Shore; and music by noted Australian composers Percy Grainger and Peter Sculthorpe.
"What I love most about our Passport concerts is creating this pastiche that captures the spirit of a region through its music,” said Pak. “The audience will walk away feeling that they’ve had a unique experience, perhaps learned a little something, and above all, listened to an outstanding performance.”
Award-winning Australian conductor Carolyn Watson will take the podium for Passport Down Under. Watson is Director of Orchestras at the University of Illinois, Music Director of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra in Indiana, and Principal Guest Conductor of the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra. She was recruited from Australia in 2013 to become the Music Director of the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra.
“I wanted to find an Australian conductor to lead the Cape Symphony in this Passport concert,” said Pak. “I met Carolyn through Interlochen; she’s done amazing work since coming to America ten years ago and is the perfect person to conduct for this weekend.”
Please note that students ages six to 22 years are eligible for 50% off individual ticket prices to all Cape Symphony concerts.
The Cape Symphony is proud to present Passport Down Under on Saturday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 2, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center, 744 West Main Street, Hyannis. To purchase tickets, visit capesymphony.org, call the Box Office at 508-362-1111, email
Media Contact:
Ellen Cliggott, Public Relations & Marketing Writer
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About Cape Symphony
At the Cape Symphony, our mission is to Inspire Joy. We do this through outstanding entertainment and educational programs. Cape Cod’s very own professional orchestra, the Cape Symphony, performs at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center in Hyannis. From popular hits to magnificent classics, highlighting hidden gems and putting a new twist on standards, the emphasis is always on fun, surprises, and beautiful music. The Cape Symphony commitment to education for all ages includes private lessons, classes and ensembles at campuses in Barnstable and Falmouth as well as online. Its acclaimed preschool program is known for blending traditional academics with the arts. Through community outreach, the Cape Symphony brings an array of engaging programs to the Cape Cod community. Visit www.capesymphony.org for more information.
