South Africa - Day Ten to Thirteen
Sunday 26th November 2017 - DAY TEN
Another early start today - our last Dawn Chorus. With light drizzle on us, we took our chances and settled down at Eagle’s Nest. I had a frog join me for this sunrise. Luckily I saw him sitting quite close to my right foot! After a morning’s rest, I did a score outline for the concert this evening at Mabolel Rock. We headed out at 3:30pm and I decided to just set up and record myself rather than try and do other numerous sites. Packing up in the dark, in a Nile Crocodile site is not the best idea and I would already have a clarinet dealing with extreme heat conditions. When we arrived at the site, it was thrilling to learn that the Hippos were right there! I sat on the bank for an hour and watched the family of 5-6 being very active for us, in the water, There were also the most incredible cicadas that rose in pitch frequency but it was extremely intense to your ears in a particular one metre square area. Most bizarre!
The performance started at 5:20pm and I went out on the rock for a 5 min meditation/sit to let the Hippos (and Nile crocodiles) hopefully grow more comfortable with my presence. It was so hot that I could smell my hard rubber custom mouthpiece melting!! I began a performance with longs notes and a phrase I transcribed from the Hippo sounds recorded earlier in the residency. It was incredible but the Hippos moved closer and one, in particular, moved in and interacted with me! At one point I turned around to engage the audience more and the birds, etc and the Hippo snorted to re-gain my attention. The first section was very much a “call and response” between myself and the Hippo. I was thrilled the audience was there to witness such an event. I could hear and feel their reactions and involvement in the interaction. A truly spectacular and surreal concert! An experience of a lifetime. Funnily, I never felt threatened at any stage. It was calm and respectful interplay of each (myself and the Hippo’s) involved. The remainder of the time I played for around 20 mins before I HAD to get off as the danger of Nile crocodiles and the hippo’s wanting to leave the water, dramatically increased with dusk approaching. We spent the remainder of the time well back on the bank to continue our listening concert.
On our return to the Farm, we cleaned up quickly and headed over to De Pleuss for dinner with Mark and Leslie. I meet the lady who has a farm in Botswana and a unit in Brighton, Melbourne.
Monday 27th November 2017 - DAY ELEVEN
Today was the start of our slower days. We did studio work for our presentation on Tuesday. I decided I would use the Mabolel Rock concert as my presentation. There was no way that I could possibly top that! Mike Vernusky and I had also created a collaboration so it was exciting to be utilised by another participant. Last night Mark had said that what had happened during my concert was quite unbelievable and incredibly lucky. I am so glad that I have video recordings and witnesses! We have had our final recording trip to Harry’s Weir. I set up my gear directly on top of crocodile slide marks. William assured me it was safe! Ha! We finished the day with more studio work - I mainly cleared my hard drive!
Tuesday 28th November 2017 - DAY TWELVE
Today we finalised our presentations before a social gathering with all of the Mmabolela staff. It was quite a sedate affair with our courteous guests - us as much as them. A few people tried to get some dancing happening but everyone seemed to want to talk. I chatted with a family member who is studying to become a Primary School teacher. Our presentations all went really well and were quite polished. We had a relaxing evening chatting and drinking.
Wednesday 29th November 2017 - DAY THIRTEEN
Return to Johannesburg 9:30am-7:00pm!! Mini-bus plus trailer.
Sonic Mmabolela 2017 was an incredible opportunity to record and work with a diverse group of international sound artists and composers. Extensive field-recording opportunities in a ecosystem brimming with activity; the perfect time to develop my craft in the field as well as perform live in memorable locations. My concert at Mabolel Rock performing with a hippopotamus, however, will always be the once-in-a-lifetime highlight.
