Bundanon

Formed in 2018, Virago is a mixed quartet of Meg Rohrer (violin), Wesley Hornpetrie (cello), BethAnne Kunert (saxophones), and Sofia Carbonara (percussion). Marked by intense chemistry and resistance to creative norms, Virago melds free improvisation and contemporary chamber music into a contagious headspace of out-of-the box expression. The quartet improvises through collaborations with composers, audience members, visual artists, and musicians across genres, marking the path for the future of chamber music. Virago is based in Michigan, USA and currently spread from Maryland to Melbourne. 

Flora Carbo is a saxophonist, composer and music leader from Naarm (Melbourne, Australia). Her unique practice creates novel musical environments that connect people through improvisation, composition and conceptual works, led by her explorations into the vocal qualities of the alto saxophone.

In residence at Bundanon

While at Bundanon, American mixed-quartet Virago and Australian composer and saxophonist Flora Carbo plan to realize their cross-continental curiosity towards developing original music together. A highly anticipated international collaboration, the residency will consist of devising a unique improvisational language of Virago and Flora, developing a 20-25 minute composition by Flora for Virago, Flora and Virago playing Flora’s commission together as an expanded ensemble, and Flora engaging in original repertoire of Virago as an ensemble member. Across continents and genres, Virago and Flora have the potential to create a tightly woven composition born out of their shared dedication to experimental forms of notation in improvisation, ensemble sound, deep listening, and free improvisation.