THE REAL THING: Russell Morris In Conversation with David Hirschfelder

Sunday 11 February

4pm AEST

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Russell Morris stands as an undeniable icon in the Australian music industry. His influence has sculpted the sound of the Australian musical landscape for over seven decades. From his early days immersed in psychedelic rock to his more recent forays into blues and roots, Morris's impact is enduring. He continues to sell out some of Australia's most prestigious venues, such as the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne’s Hamer Hall. His touring history includes stints with Aussie music legends like Daryl Braithwaite and John Farnham. More recently, he shared the stage with Oscar-nominated David Hirschfelder and the Southern Cross Symphony for "Russell Morris: The Real Thing" – a live symphonic concert. Expertly arranged by David, this concert featured Russell's greatest hits, amplified by a ten-piece band and a 54-member orchestra.

In this exclusive in-conversation event, Russell is joined by his long-time friend and collaborator, David Hirschfelder. Recognised as one of Australia’s leading film composers, David has scored over 80 film and TV productions. Starting as a keyboardist for various groups, including John Farnham's backing band, David evolved into a key collaborator for Farnham. He has credits that include arranging the 1986 album "Whispering Jack", co-writing 1990’s "Chain Reaction", and playing instrumental roles in "Then Again…", "Full House", and "Age of Reason". David's recent accomplishments include composing music for the 2023 feature documentary John Farnham: Finding the Voice.

Join us for this headline festival event, where two long-time friends and collaborators discuss Russell’s influence on the Australian music industry, delve into his most memorable hits, explore his pioneering career, and reminisce about their collaborations together, notably with John Farnham.

Featuring

Russell Morris

Russell Morris has impacted the sound of the Australian music landscape across seven decades and counting. He is a psychedelic rock legend. He is the biggest selling Australian Blues Artist of this century. He is an ARIA Hall of Fame Recipient and multiple music award-winning Artist. He is an icon. He is and will always be, The Real Thing.

David Hirschfelder

From the mid-80s to early-90s, Hirschfelder became synonymous with many Australian landmark concerts and recordings, including “Whispering Jack” in 1987, the “Classic Jack” Tour in 1988 featuring John Farnham and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and the record-breaking “Jesus Christ Superstar” Arena Spectacular in 1992. Also in that same year, David’s debut film score “Strictly Ballroom” garnered a BAFTA award. In 1996 David received an Oscar nomination for “Shine”; and in 1998 a further Oscar nomination, as well as a BAFTA award for “Elizabeth”.

David’s recent film scores include “The Railway Man” (2013) which won AACTA and APRA awards, "The Water Diviner” (awarded FCCA 2014 Best Film Score), and "The Dressmaker”, receiving AACTA and APRA award nominations in 2015.

Other works include “Eternity” for orchestra, choir and 1000 tap-dancers (commissioned for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games Opening Ceremony), “Mixed Doubles” for string quartet (2004 Adelaide Fringe Arts Festival), and “No More Boomerang” (music composed to a poem by indigenous artist Oodgeroo Noonuccul) for soprano and string quartet, recorded and released in 2018 by Katie Noonan and the Australian String Quartet.

2023 saw the cinematic release of “John Farnham: Finding The Voice”, featuring David’s score and music-direction; an APRA Best TV score nomination for co-composition with son Samuel Hirschfelder for Netflix series “Irreverent”; a body of symphonic arrangements for Russell Morris’ nation-wide series of orchestral concerts; and the completion of David’s score for US/Australian co-production “Sleeping Dogs”, starring Russell Crowe and Karen Gillan, to be released early 2024.

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