Rock-wallabies featured in new scientific oratorio premiering in Melbourne
A new oratorio titled 'Origins – of the Universe, of Life, of Species, of Humanity' premieres on July 18, 2023 at the Melbourne Recital Centre. The work, conceived and co-written by evolutionary geneticist Professor Jenny Graves, uses rock-wallabies as a model to explain speciation through music. The performance features a 100-voice choir, full orchestra, and soloists, conducted by Peter Bandy with the Heidelberg Choral Society and Orchestra. Scientists including Dr. Mark Eldridge from the Australian Museum note that rock-wallabies demonstrate how chromosomal changes drive species formation. The oratorio aims to blend science and art as an educational tool.
Key facts
- Oratorio 'Origins' premieres July 18, 2023 at Melbourne Recital Centre
- Created by evolutionary geneticist Professor Jenny Graves
- Features rock-wallabies as model for speciation in 21-movement composition
- Performed by Heidelberg Choral Society and Orchestra conducted by Peter Bandy
- Scientists cite rock-wallabies' chromosomal variations as textbook speciation example
Entities
Artists
- Jenny Graves
- Peter Bandy
Institutions
- Australian Museum
- Melbourne Recital Centre
- Heidelberg Choral Society and Orchestra
Locations
- Melbourne
- Australia