World Premiere

Xantolo
For Solo Percussion

Everything in the modern world functions as if death did not exist… The Mexican, in contrast, is familiar with death, jokes about it, caresses it, sleeps with it, celebrates it; it is one of his favourite toys and his most steadfast love.
- The Labyrinth of Solitude, Octavio Paz

A new work for solo percussion inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations. The work has been created by Aphids artist Rosemary Joy and Mexican percussionist Evaristo Aguilar following visits to the villages of Tancoco, Tamalin and Tantayuca in the Huastecan area of Mexico. Xantolo means 'Day of the Dead' in the Haustecan language and will be performed to an audience of 20 people at a time.

Rosemary Joy's sculptural miniature percussion instruments have been performed in Australia, Belgium, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands and Switzerland by some of the world's leading percussionists. Percussionist Evaristo Aguilar lives in the Huastecan region in North East Mexico. He regularly works with international contemporary artists and composers to create new work inspired by Huastecan culture.

Artist Rosemary Joy
Performer Evaristo Aguilar (Mexico)
Instrument Construction Adam Stewart and Rosemary Joy

DATES
25 October: 3pm Open rehearsal with percussionist Evaristo Aguilar (Mexico) - Reading Room, Linden Centre for Contemporary Arts, St Kilda

2 November: 15 minute performances at 6pm, 625pm, 650pm, 715pm & 740pm, Salon, Melbourne Recital Centre

Aphids - Xantolo from Melbourne Recital Centre on Vimeo.

Supported by Arts Victoria, the City of Port Phillip and Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas Facultad de Música