The Abbotsford Mysteries

Andrew Aronowicz’s “The Abbotsford Mysteries’ is based on Patricia Sykes’ evocative book of poetry of the same name. This song cycle is an intensely intimate and evocative exploration that draws together multiple strands of the Convent’s history, performed by contralto Liane Keegan and the vibrant and versatile PLEXUS collective – comprising of Monica Curro (violin), Philip Arkinstall (clarinet), and Stefan Cassomenos (piano).

Stories both light and dark are woven together in an abstract narrative that tells the moving account of life for the various girls and women inhabiting the Convent during its period as a monastic site (1863 – 1975). Sykes herself was a child at the Convent, and interviewed over seventy ex-residents to research her book of poems. Aronowicz and Sykes worked closely together to convey the incredible emotional weight and social significance of these stories, introducing a new perspective for visitors of the site.

The Abbotsford Mysteries Song-Cycle project and podcast are presented in partnership with the Abbotsford Convent Foundation, with support from Creative Victoria, The Australian Cultural Foundation, Kawaii Pianos and Spinifex Press. The music was recorded at 3MBS: Fine Music Melbourne, in the Lady Marigold Southey Performance Studio. The Abbotsford Convent sits on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, by the waters of the Birrarung. We pay our respects to their Elders, and other Aboriginal Elders listening – past and present. Sovereignty was never ceded.

Photo credit: Tangerine Creative.

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