Work
Grey Ghost
for piano and fixed media
Films, Audio & Samples
Borrow/Hire:
To borrow items or hire parts please email SOUNZ directly at info@sounz.org.nz.
About
Grey Ghost is a meditation in piano and electronics drawing on the ancient song of the once prolific North Island Kōkako. The bird’s distinctive call closely resembles that of its possibly extinct South Island cousin, known as ‘The Grey Ghost’, last officially recorded at Mount Aspiring National Park, 1967. Renewed efforts are currently in place to confirm the presence or extinction of this species (see SouthIslandKokako.org for more information).
Using your smartphone, the electronic part for this piece can be streamed by the audience during the concert performance. The App with its embedded audio is available for free download from the iOS Appstore or Google Play, by searching for SyncSound. Once downloaded, follow the downbeat of the Pianist to press ‘play’. Download of this App, and playback during the concert, is entirely voluntary.
Recordings of North Island Kōkako were supplied by the New Zealand Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Other bird sounds recorded by the Composer. Thank you to Chamber Music New Zealand, and VCA & MCM at The University of Melbourne for supporting this project. Also, delighted thanks to Jessie Eastwood for recorded vocals.
Commissioned note
Commissioned and Premiered by Xenia Pestova