Castlemaine violinist Lizzy Welsh and Melbourne viola talent Biddy Connor will celebrate the launch of two new singles from their upcoming album Light Burst at an intimate concert event to be held at the Castlemaine Uniting Church on August 4.
Lizzy said the album was deeply personal to the long-time friends who used the creation of the new work as an opportunity to process their individual experiences of trauma and move along the path to healing.
Both women experienced serious health crises in the midst of the pandemic and were left to navigate their experiences with only the support of their partners when COVID saw hospitals locked down.
“I suffered from severe preeclampsia during my pregnancy and then our baby was diagnosed with a congenital condition and rushed to Melbourne for treatment, while Biddy bravely underwent a double mastectomy as she battled breast cancer,” Lizzy said.
“We both endured lengthy stays in hospital with only our partners for support as our family and friends were unable to visit us or accompany us to appointments.
“It was a very lonely, challenging time and we have used the creation of the album as a cathartic way to process and navigate that trauma together.”
Lizzy said the album’s name, Light Burst, was inspired by a phenomenon that many women suffering from preeclampsia report – flashes of light – as they experience a change or loss of vision.
The pair received state and federal funding from Creative Victoria and the Australian Council for the Arts to help them create the new album on Djaara country that features unusual instruments.
Lizzy said the album was set to be released in October but a ‘surprise’ second pregnancy has meant they have had to fast-track the process as she will have to wind up recording and performaning sooner than anticipated.
“Given everything we faced welcoming our first child, I need to take a little extra care and wrap up earlier than last time,” she said.
Lizzy was born and raised in Castlemaine and says the Castlemaine Uniting Church held a special place for her being the location of one of her first ever live performances.
“It has wonderful acoustics and I can’t wait to perform our new work there in front of a warm and supportive local audience,” she said.
The pair will be joined on the day by cellist Zoë Barry and violinist Steph O’Hara to form ‘The Letter String Quartet’ an innovative and captivating ensemble who push the sonic possibilities of the string quartet into new realms.
“Biddy is also one of Australia’s leading musical saw players and she will also treat the audience to a performance on the Stroh Violin, which features a trumpet bell. We will also welcome Campbells Creek composer, guitarist and electroacoustic musician Alex Garsden,” Lizzy said.
The special event will take place next Friday August 4 from 6pm at the Castlemaine Uniting Church in Lyttleton Street. Tickets are $20/$15 concession at the door or visit www.trybooking.com/CJQII
