MUSIC PROJECTS

CONTACT * Vane of Barbs * ABRASKA (FKA CONCHILLIA) * Bearded Gypsy Band *

CONTACT

SET DESIGNER/SCENIC ARTIST: Following the success of their first collaboration, 'Vane of Barbs' in 2015, Kiah Gossner and Jill Halliday joined forces again to bring to life 'CONTACT' - a multi-arts performance. Jill designed the sets for the world premiere and Kiah Gossner composed, arranged and produced the music. CONTACT was first presented by the Adelaide Festival Centre’s inSPACE program on November 29th 2019.

“Kiah Gossner is a modern-day Mozart…His multi-artform performance piece, Contact, at The Adelaide Festival Centre, is a showcase of virtuosity that would standalone as a work of contemporary classical music without the extra layers of projected video and poetry.” – The Adelaide Show

‘CONTACT was an experience like no other musical performance I have ever attended. It was a work of art, excelling on so many levels“ ..”The overall and quite overwhelming intent of the graphic design awakened your visual sense to what was to be presented in the new work, CONTACT, by the brilliant composer and performer, Kiah Gossner. One was positioned squarely in the present moment, with electronic and digital equipment side-by-side with traditional musical instruments, computer screens, painted artwork and projected images incorporated into the incredible set designed by Jill Halliday. “

"Kiah Gossner and the orchestra deserve the highest praise for the outstanding quality of their performances, as well as the inspiration and dedication they have given to this innovative and creative composition. It was breathtaking and imminently memorable.” – Global Media Post

”Entering the Space Theatre, there are large graphics raised above the stage (at the back), several screens at ground level in front of where the band is set-up. The stark angularity of the scene complements this performance wonderfully.”

“The audience was buzzing through this performance and this didn’t stop at the conclusion... It was a joy to behold and Kiah Gossner has developed a piece that is accessible while being challenging” …..– The Clothesline

VANE OF BARBS

STAGE DESIGNER/SCENIC ARTIST: VANE OF BARBS is an original music and visual production shaped loosely upon Ghandi's 7 human sins. Jill Halliday (National Institute of Dramatic Art) was the Stage Designer/Production Manager on this production. The composer of this exciting work was Kiah Gossner, a graduate from the Elder Conservatorium -Adelaide University (Jazz). Vane of Barbs was nominated for the Adelaide Fringe Festival BEST EMERGING ARTIST AWARD 2015.

Vane of Barbs: ".......this show....is an experience – not just another gig. It involves lights, projections, giant handmade feathers...They really are an exceptionally talented and innovative group of young Adelaide musicians." theclothesline.com.au review 21 Feb 2015

ABRASKA (FKA CONCHILLIA)

MANAGER :Conchillia began public performances in 2014. Before the end of 2014 they had done numerous shows in and around Adelaide, recorded & launched their debut EP, toured to Melbourne, Sydney,Brisbane and been invited to perform at South Australia's Gorgeous Festival. Highlights from 2015 included their song 'Witchdoctor” enjoying 3 weeks in the top 10 AMRAP regional charts, performances at Adelaide's Fringe Festival, Peak Music Festival(NSW), Leaps & Bounds Music Festival(VIC), Semaphore Music Festival(SA), Adelaide's Vegan Festival, Australia Music Week Festival(NSW), lots of east coast touring and multiple nominations at the South Australia Music Awards. In 2016 - 2017 Conchillia performed multiple shows at Woodford Folk Festival (QLD), Cygnet Folk Festival (TAS), National Folk Festival(ACT), Barossa Vintage Festival(SA), Fork on the Road(SA)and on various Tour Down Under stages before changing their name to ABRASKA. Late in 2017 Abraska recorded their new EP. They performed at the 2017 Adelaide City Official NYE celebrations before touring the east coast to launch ‘Lanterns’ - the single from their new EP. Upon returning to Adelaide they played 3 x SOLD OUT Amy Winehouse shows at the 2018 Adelaide Festival Fringe and in June 2018 they launched their new ‘Finding Colour’ EP.