Of Deities and Demons

In a rapturous celebration of ancient Sri Lankan culture, Baliphonics and Australian Art Orchestra bring age-old rituals to life through traditional dance, chanting and music.

In a spectacle of dance, music and light, this unique group draws upon an astrological healing practice known as Bali Ritual, in which deities are invoked and demons exorcised.

On a recent trip to Sri Lanka, Peter Knight (Artistic Director, Australian Art Orchestra) formed a friendship with leader of Baliphonics, Sumudi Suraweera. This friendship formed the start of an exciting collaboration combining the yak bera (demon drum), clarinets and other traditional instrumentations with the signature experimental jazz stylings of Australian Art Orchestra.

This Meeting Points Series exclusive will thrill audiences through an intense and visceral experience, bringing together the powerful artform of Sri Lankan ritual music with Australia’s leading contemporary ensemble.

Featuring Sumudi Suraweera (composer, drummer), Susantha Rupathilaka (dance and voice), Prasanna Rupathilaka (dance, yak bera and voice), Reuben Derrick (clarinets), Peter Knight (trumpet), Reuben Lewis (trumpet), Carl Dewhurst (guitar), and Mary Rapp (cello).