What if Climate Change was Purple?

A new multi-sensory orchestral work with sound, imagery, participatory art and spoken text highlighting the plight of five native birds and their Hauraki Gulf/Auckland habitats that are endangered or threatened due to climate change and other factors.  This participatory project is led by composer and teacher Chris Adams working with two other talented What if Climate Change was Purple? creatives – scientist, science communicator and visual artist Dr Jenny Rock and poet, climate science communicator Michaela Keeble.  The project will be part of the Auckland Philharmonia Community Classics concert series 2021 (offering two to three free concerts around Auckland) and will also link into the orchestra’s community education programme in partnership with local schools.  Accompanying material will support learning in schools, involving students thinking about birds as characters in climate narratives, generating understanding about the intersecting problems they face and what actions they can take.  Starting in the Auckland region in collaboration with the Auckland Philharmonia, this work has the potential to tour with other orchestras and musicians around the country, engaging a wide range of audiences.  (Note: the work itself will form part of a concert of music that relates to birds and is being composed with a degree of adaptability to make it suitable for a variety of orchestras or other potential ensembles).

Images

Left – Chris Adams. Image credit: Philip Merry

Centre – Michaela Keeble. Image credit: Philip Merry

Right – Dr Jenny Rock. Image credit: Supplied by Dr Rock