Tod Machover wrote on his Facebook page:
On November 5, 2013
Spent some wonderful time yesterday in Perth with Richard Walley, one of Australia’s most distinguished artists and musicians. He is a member of the Nyoongar people, and he filled in many gaps in my knowledge of the history of indigenous people in Australia, from ancient times through the recent past. I don’t think I’ve ever learned so much in such a short time; tough stuff too, although Richard is an absolute prince. Great didgeridoo player as well. Richard is bringing his four sons along tomorrow so I can hear and record a “didgeridoo chorus” and really learn about the instrument. The Perth Festival found me a cello as well, so we’ll have a didge-cello-fest! I think that the two instruments complement each other in really interesting ways…although perhaps not with THIS cellist:)
On November 6, 2013
Here’s a picture from this evening’s jam with Richard Walley. His four sons came to play with us as well, but it was dark when they arrived at the Perth Festival office, so they thought no one was home and left. Oh well. But Richard and I had a grand old time, and the didgeridoo and the cello complement each other very well. Who knew?!? One more day in Perth, and then LOTS of thinking about how to integrate all of these incredible experiences and sounds into the Perth Symphony! http://corporate.perthfestival.com.au/About/Between-the-Desert-and-the-Deep-Blue-Sea
On November 7, 2013
The Perth Festival 2014 just had its big launch, and it was quite an extravaganza. Took place in the Perth Concert Hall, which was completely full. Festival Director Jonathan Holloway went through the whole impressive program, including my new piece (http://perth.media.mit.edu/). I fly home to Boston tomorrow – finally! – but look forward to being back in Perth in late February for rehearsals and premiere of the Perth Symphony.
On November 8, 2013
Well, the 2014 Perth Festival was launched last evening, and so was my new Perth Symphony (http://tinyurl.com/TodPerthWA). I did much of the groundwork over these past two weeks, listening to the city and to its natural surroundings, meeting musicians of all ages and backgrounds, and working with students from 4th grade through grad school. The work premieres to close the Festival on March 1, so it will be busy busy busy between now and then. Just got home from Perth after what seemed like 200 hours of flying…so first some sleep!
Opera of the Future 