CHOREOGRAPHER: Rafael Bonachela
COMPOSER: Nick Wales
SET & COSTUME DESIGN: Elizabeth Gadsby 
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Damien Cooper

Overview

momenta takes audiences on a journey into the poetry and physicality of human bonds. This mesmerising work presents a kaleidoscope of energy, capturing moments where individual trajectories collide and intertwine. 

Rich with rhythmical and spatial patterning, Sydney Dance Company dancers transcend physical limitations; they explore the full range of their bodies with grace, power and vulnerability. Each moment resonates through space, drawing the audience into a world of raw emotion. 

Through the captivating interplay of Bonachela’s signature choreographic style, Nick Wales’evocative soundscapes, Elizabeth Gadsby’s arresting set design and Damien Cooper’sstriking lighting, momenta gathers the hurtling vectors of our lives into confluence and connection. For audiences and dancers alike, it is an invitation to rejoice in the beauty and fragility of our shared humanity. 

Music Note:

Momentum manifests itself as a force of perpetual motion—an idea that once activated, things are set in motion and continue to move. This motion can vary, from acceleration to deceleration, sometimes slowing down to a near halt. These concepts have served as my primary inspiration behind the creation of the score for "Momenta".

On a macro level, I've explored the notion of waves of momentum coursing through the composition. The score becomes a continuous expression of climactic moments or waves. At a micro level, recurring musical motifs and gestures are used. Certain percussive motifs performed by Bree van Reyk gradually accelerate, conveying an increasing momentum, while others adopt a more textural and choral character, including vocals by soprano Jane Sheldon and myself. These motifs serve to thematically unify the work while suggesting that momentum operates cyclically, like planets orbiting the sun.

Comprising seven movements, "Momenta" includes a prologue cadenza. Two of these movements feature existing music, the beautiful and dynamic violin concerto "Distant Light" by Peteris Vasks. I decided to speak to the idea of a ‘concerto’  by featuring a solo string instrument in my work. Opting for the mellower yet equally expressive viola, performed by Benedict Hames, principal violist of the Symphonieorchester des Bayerische Rundfunks, "Momenta" begins with a building solo cadenza by Hames, who remains featured throughout the score. 

Momentum isn't always linear. In the middle third movement, "Zodiac", the piano solo that initiates the movement gradually slows to a near standstill before incrementally accelerating, slowly adding more ambient percussive and textural elements culminating in a thrilling yet almost chaotic climax reminiscent of a bursting dam.

To maintain a cohesive sonic identity, I've employed a limited musical palette, featuring viola, bass drums, accordion, voice, string orchestra, piano, wooden percussion, chimes, and a select few synths and drum machines. This amalgamation of organic classical instruments and voice, the warmth of string orchestras, and the raw edge of electronic elements aims to capture the essence of life—both abstract and beautiful. I extend my heartfelt thanks to my team of musical collaborators and sound technicians, whose invaluable contributions have been instrumental in shaping the score.

Music Written and Produced by Nick Wales

performed by 

Nick Wales - Viola, voice,  piano, electronics, keyboards 

with 

Benedict Hames - solo viola 

Jane Sheldon - voice 

Bree van Reyk - Percussion, Piano Accordion  

Elsen Price - Double Bass 

FAMES Macedonia -  String Orchestra 

Bob Scott - Music Mix 

Joaquim Badia - Orchestral conductor 

Jem Hoppe - Recording engineer 

Phil Punch - Recording engineer 

Jigsaw Music - Music score prep 

Suonho - Freesound sample  

PHOTOGRAPHY: Pedro Greig