41 Strings by Nick Zinner

Presented by Sydney Festival in association with Sydney Opera House

Australian Premiere

Featuring Australian Youth Orchestra

In response to the 41st anniversary of Earth Day, Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Nick Zinner composed the extraordinary 41 Strings. The piece is part concerto in the classical tradition, but with the modern rock ‘n' roll feel one would expect from Zinner.

A musician who consistently surprises with his versatility, Zinner conducts and plays an in-the-round experience with an impressive line-up of acoustic and electric strings, ranging from violins to electric bass (with some drums and synths thrown in for good measure).

Using Vivaldi's Four Seasons as inspiration, Zinner's music chronicles the ups and downs of the seasons in a swirling mass of strings and percussion. At times dark and moody, 41 Strings is also hopeful and ultimately joyful.

Joining Zinner for the 41 Strings' second ever outing are friends and co-collaborators Hisham Akira Bharoocha (Soft Circle, Black Dice, The Boredoms) and Ben Vida (Soft Circle, Town and Country, Bird Show). Together with a core band and members of the Australian Youth Orchestra they complete the large string ensemble.

Part two of the program features a special performance of companion piece IIII, a drum circle led by Bharoocha (of The Boredoms' epic drumming events), again based on the Four Seasons. Bharoocha and Vida will be joined by Ryan Sawyer, Brian Chase, and Matthew Watson as the core group, leading 16 additional drummers in a thunderous and uplifting composition.  

Both 41 Strings and IIII will include immersive visuals on the roof of the Concert Hall from acclaimed video artist Daniel Askill.