Collusion

Collusion’s unique instrumentation enables the ensemble to deliver captivating performances with works in every combination from duo to quartet.

They have a reputation for their imaginative skill in delivering inventive yet accessible programmes. Themed programmes consist of traditional repertoire with splashes of accessible 20^th and 21^st century music. Collusion performs for Musica Viva Education. The quality of their Musica Viva Schools performances is exceptional. From 2010 Collusion is ensemble in residence at St Margaret's Anglican Girls School, one of Australia's leading

p - 12 girls schools.

Collusion formed in 2002. Since then they have performed at least twenty contrasting programmes of works ranging from Mozart to Brahms, Bartok to Rorem, and Messiaen to Stanhope. They have received rave reviews for their quality performances and have earned respect from many leading Australian artists.

Musicians of Collusion have broadcast for ABC, MBS networks and have released an album for MOVE records which includes works by Brophy, Stanhope, Baker, Schiff, and Conesson. Collusion has performed at Restrung, International Messiaen, Bangalow, Tyalgum, and Soul Food Festivals amongst others. Members are in demand as freelance artists, having performed for the the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Camerata of St John’s, the Queensland Art Gallery, Astra, Mercury, Chamber Made and Libra ensembles, the Brisbane Powerhouse, Music Centre North Qld, Dalby Arts Council, Bangalow, Tyalgum, Brisbane Writers, Restrung, X, Bonyi, ACMF, Queensland and Brisbane Festivals. Members have studied chamber music at prestigious institutions including the Australian National Academy of Music, Rotterdam Conservatorium, with the Australian Youth Orchestra and with Youth Music Australia (Australian Youth Orchestra) advanced programs.

Collusion has collaborated with guest musicians and artists such as painter Sandy Pottinger, dancers/choreographers Elise May and Gareth Belling, directors Andrew Corey and Karlo Bran, circus performers Leah Reutens, photographers Lisa Clarke and Henri van Noordenburg, and worked closely with composers Gerard Brophy, Paul Stanhope, Robert D Clark, Steven Baker and Joseph Twist.

As part of their concert series in 2010, Collusion will perform at the MAYO Festival, Brisbane. Held at the St Margaret's Anglican Girls School Arts Centre, Ascot, Collusion will perform in collaboration with some of Australia's finest visual artists and younger generation musicians, Bettina Crimmins (oboe), Camille Olin (saxophone), and Samantha McDonnel (percussion).

Collusion has a strong commitment to Australian Music and has in the past supported emerging Australian choreographers. Collusion will premiere Paul Stanhope’s new song cycle ‘Love Lines’ written for the ensemble and in 2008 commissioned a new song cycle by Robert Davidson. The ensemble has also premiered/commissioned works by leading younger generation composers: Joseph Twist, Robert D Clark, Stephen Baker, Tom Adeney, Melody Eotvos. Their important work in Queensland has been funded by both Arts Queensland and Brisbane City Council, with the Australia Council awarding Paul Stanhope an Australian Composition Fellowship to write for the ensemble in 2009. In 2008 Collusion commissioned a new dance work by Gareth Belling and Elise May titled 'Tales of the faithful'.

Collusion is avaliable for concerts, festivals, gala/opening performances and formal corporate occasions. Contact info@collusion.com.au

In 2010 Collusion is touring and available for evening and schools concerts in Mackay and the surrounding Whitsunday region.

For Musica Viva In Schools please contact:

Musica Viva Queensland

tel: +61 (0)7 3844 7400

Collusion is an independent co-operation between Benjamin Greaves, Jonathan Ng, Rianne Wilschut and Katherine Philp. Collusion was founded in 2002 by Benjamin Greaves, Neil MacGregor, Danielle Bentley, Alana Scott, and Therese Milanovic, with Shannon Tobin, Steven Wylkes and Emma Baker-Spink serving as resident musicians in later years. Collusion is administrated solely by the current musicians, and is soley supported by St Margaret's Anglican Girls School. Collusion is contracted to Musica Viva Education. Any reference made to Collusion and it's members (either as Collusion members or as an individual) in regards to any companie's funding applications, funding aquitalls, sponsorship applications, mentor arrangements, use of Collusion recordings, should be made with prior permission from Collusion or the individual concerned. Only former and current musicians of Collusion and Musica Viva Australia may make such references without permission from the Collusion co-operation.