Rhythms of Ryde
Live Music Activation Program
Discover the Rhythm of Ryde! Experience our Live Music Activation Program where every day spaces transform into extraordinary experiences through live music. From intimate pop-ups at Meadowbank Wharf to vibrant drumming festivals, Ryde bursts to life day and night.
You are invited to join this unforgettable journey of music, connection, and sensory exploration featuring local and visiting artists. Whether it's a starlit date night or a relaxing picnic with family and neighbours, our program invites you to discover new dimensions in familiar places.
Embrace the magic of live music. Embrace your rhythm of Ryde.
November
Starry Starry Night: A Romantic Evening Under the Stars
Location: Lachlan’s Line Park
Date: Saturday 9 November
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of Ryde's local string quartets at our magical outdoor concert, "Starry Starry Night". Nestled in the heart of Lachlan's Line, this evening promises to serenade your Saturday night with elegance and romance.
Gather your loved ones, pack a picnic basket, and join us for an unforgettable musical journey under the twinkling night sky. Let the harmonious strings and celestial ambiance transport you as you embrace the rhythm of Ryde. Don't miss this opportunity to create lasting memories in a setting where music and starlit skies blend into pure magic.
The Marais Project
Susie Bishop – violin/voice
Sarah Papadopoulos – violin
Jenny Eriksson – viola da gamba
Shaun Ng – theorbo
Founded by long term Ryde resident Jenny Eriksson – The Marais Project is a celebration of music for her instrument, the viola da gamba. Her group is inspired by Marin Marais, the great French virtuoso viola da gamba performer and composer. (The viola da gamba is a 7-stringed instrument with frets that looks like a cello!) Formed in 2000, the ensemble has presented concerts for 25 years, toured widely, and made numerous recordings. Eriksson’s original aim was to perform the complete 600 viola da gamba works of Marin Marais. However, over the years The Marais Project has pushed their artistic boundaries to include folk music and newly composed music.
The Marais Project has given concerts across Australia, on Australian Digital Concert Hall, live on the ABC Classic radio station and ABC Radio National’s ‘The Music Show.’ The have also appeared in New Zealand and Sweden. In 2019-2020 they were Ensemble in Residence with Fine Music 102.5, Sydney’s premiere fine music radio station. In 2023 they toured New South Wales and Sweden with their ‘Nordic Moods & Baroque Echoes’ project, a collaboration with Swedish musicians, Duo Langborn/Wendel. In Stockholm they presented a concert at the invitation of the Australian Embassy. The ensemble has released nine highly regarded albums, several of which have been ‘CD of the Week’ on national and local radio stations. In 2024 they released their tenth album, ‘Nordic Moods & Baroque Echoes’ which was recorded at the famous Atlantis Studios in Stockholm – ABBA’s favourite studio!
Website | Facebook | Instagram
FIRST SET
Traditional French Folk Song - Colchiques Dans las Pres (arr. by Jenny Eriksson) (2.40m)
Marc-Antonie Charpentier (1643 – 1704) - Sans frayeur (without fear) (2.40m)
Marin Marais (1656 – 1728) - Instrumental music from Alcione- Menuet, Prelude, Gigue (6m)
Anon - Ma Bella (Published by J-B Besard 1603) (3m)
Marin Marais (1656 - 1728) – Trio Sonate in C major – Rondeau, Sarabande, Loure, Menuet, Gavotte (12m)
Johan Helmich Roman (1694- 1758) - Sonate in G minor for violin & continuo - Largo, Intermezzo (4m)
Claudio Monteverdi (1567 - 1643) - Si dolce è il tormento (So sweet is the torment that fills my heart) (4m)
Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583 – 1643) - Se l'aura spira (If the breezes blow) (2.30m)
Total: 36m
SECOND SET
Marin Marais (1656 - 1728) - Muzzette 1& 2 (5m)
Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel (1690 - 1749) and arr. by J.S. Bach, BWV 508 - Bist du bei mir (To me, you are beautiful) (3m)
Henry Purcell (1659 - 1695): Fairest Isle (from King Arthur) (4m)
Michael Nyman – If (arr. by Jenny Eriksson) (3.30m)
Jenny Eriksson – Anna (3.30m)
Carl Vine – Love Me Sweet (arr. by Tommie Andersson) (4m)
Swedish Folk Music - Gråtlåten, Lat till far (arr. by Tommie Andersson) (7m)
Don Mclean – Vincent, Starry Starry Night (arr. by Jenny Eriksson) (4.30m)
Total 34m
December
Masterclass & Jam Session
Location: Lachlan’s Line Auditorium& Lachlan’s Line, Ryde
Drumming Masterclass with Simon Barker: Unleash Your Rhythmic Creativity
Join renowned drummer Simon Barker for a transformative 2-hour masterclass where you'll delve into the depths of rhythmic expression like never before. Barker's journey through the world of drumming, influenced by greats from the USA, mentorships in Korea and collaborations in Australia which has shaped a unique approach to rhythm that is both innovative and deeply personal.
In this masterclass, Barker will guide you through different approaches to creating original, drumming rhythms, beats and patterns. Drawing inspiration from improvised shapes, physical body motion, and fundamental drumming technique, Barker will offer ideas on how to integrate these elements.
Barker will also discuss practice philosophy, methods to organise transformational skill development, and approaches to improvising with rhythmic materials.
Whether you're a seasoned drummer looking to push boundaries or a novice eager to unlock new rhythmic possibilities, Barker's masterclass promises to expand your musical horizons and empower you to create rhythmic artistry from scratch. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the limitless potential within your drumming journey.
Join the Post-Masterclass Jam Session with Sydney's Leading Drum Improvisers
After the masterclass, we invite you to join a special post-session jam where you can showcase your newfound rhythmic knowledge alongside Sydney's leading drum improvisers. This is your chance to apply what you've learned, collaborate with fellow musicians, and explore the depths of spontaneous musical expression. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, create, and groove with some of the best in the business.
Booking link coming soon.
Date: Saturday 7 December
Subscribe to this page below for update notifications.