Performer Nick Parnell explodes the stage with melodic percussive interpretations of classic works; Bach to Brazil is an exotic display of rhythm and colour; an unforgettable musical journey.
“Parnell wields the mallets with the nonchalance of mastery … virtuosity worth of the highest praise.” – The West Australian
“Dazzling dexterity … balanced with supreme delicacy.” – The Adelaide Advertiser
Award-winning percussionist Nick Parnell is one man with 50 instruments in a high energy performance of festive Brazilian rhythms, ethnic drums, soaring Bach and Gershwin melodies.
Nick Parnell’s South Australian concerts are part of the Adelaide Fringe, on Friday 26 February: 7 & 9pm and Saturday 27 February: 2, 7 & 9pm and feature in the Flinders Ranges: Rhythms and Wool Bales in Orroroo on Sunday 25 April at 12pm. These are a prelude to his national tour which sees him performing in both regional and metro venues and collaborating with a number of pianists.
Audience members will be entranced by tuned wine glasses, bamboo chimes, ethnic drums, woodblocks, piano and vibraphone, as they all get a serious work out. The highlight of the evening is Parnell’s interpretation of Brazilian composer and percussionist Rosauro’s 27 minute masterpiece Brazilian Rhapsody.
“Brazilian Rhapsody is 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 Nick Parnell. “It’s a rarely performed work that leaves the listener alive with the rhythmic colour of this sensuous and passionate place.”
Set alongside Rosauro’s mammoth work is Nick Parnell’s own drumming composition, Rhythms of Brazil, full of its own rich flavours. Also in the program are musical favourites such as selections from Bach’s E Minor Suite.
Bach to Brazil appeals to both classical music aficionados and world music lovers. It alters traditional perceptions of percussion and introduces the oft misunderstood vibraphone to a whole new generation of music fans.
“While the vibraphone has been around for around 100 years, in instrument years it’s quite young and still being explored. As a solid member of the percussion family, it was only 70 years that four mallet-playing was introduced, which created a broader spectrum of repertoire and performance ability,” says Parnell.
Winner of the 2001 International Melbourne Percussion Competition, Parnell is signed to ABC Classics and is embarking on his fifth solo Australian tour following collaborations with pianist David Helfgott and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and appearances at Womadelaide and the Canberra International Chamber Music Festival.
Parnell’s innovation and precision playing heralds him as one of a new generation of Australian musicians stepping into a glittering career as a master of percussion.
BACH TO BRAZIL: TOUR DETAILS
Friday 26 February: 7 & 9pm
Saturday 27 February: 2, 7 & 9pm
The Promethean, 116 Grote St Adelaide
Tickets: $14 – $30, Groups of 6 or more: $20, Booking fees may apply
BOOK NOW: http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au/ 1300 FRINGE (374 643)
Exclusive Schools Show, Friday 26 February 1.30pm
Call Fringe YEP coordinator 8100 2026
Flinders Ranges: Rhythms and Wool Bales
Nick Parnell returns to the beautiful Flinders Ranges for an afternoon of fine music, fine wine and fine food. The concert is preceded by a delicious lunch featuring succulent Salt Bush Merino. Held in the historic renovated woolshed, The Blacksmiths Chatter, this annual event has become a favourite of the Tastes of the Outback Festival.
Sunday 25 April
Blacksmiths Chatter Function Centre, 7 First St Orroroo (corner of First and Fifth St)
Restaurant opens from 12pm, Show at 2pm.
Show Only: $35 – $40, Children 12yrs and under – FREE, Lunch and Show: $60 – $65
Group bookings of 6 or more receive complimentary beverage
BOOK NOW: 0427 581 302, http://www.blackjackgetaway.com.au/
Bed and Breakfast accommodation available
Check out www.nickparnell.com
More News
