Five must-see performances at MOSSO: Music in Motion
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The 2025 Canberra International Music Festival promises a line-up of unique moments, including MOSSO: Music in Motion.
Need the perfect post-election reprieve? Democracy sausage in hand, make your way to the National Film and Sound Archive on Saturday, 3 May for MOSSO: Music in Motion – a breathtaking one-day festival that transforms this iconic venue into a multisensory playground.
From 10 am to 6 pm, immerse yourself in a celebration of Australia’s finest sound artists as they explore our relationship with the natural world and the mystery of time. With some events completely free, plus access to the on-site café, courtyard, and NFSA’s permanent exhibitions, you can drop in for a taste or indulge in the full day’s offerings.
Here are five incredible performances you won’t want to miss:
1. DOLPHINS: Living Poems of the Sea
When acclaimed flautist Sally Walker played her flute off the coast at Port Stephens, something magical happened – dolphins gathered around her boat, clearly drawn to the music, and she recorded their sounds. In this enchanting performance, Sally plays alongside videos and images of human-dolphin interactions, creating a meditative experience that showcases these intelligent creatures’ complex relationship with humans. A must for nature lovers!
1 pm and 3:25 pm, Theatrette | Tickets here
2. THE AUSTRALIAN BUSH: Duet for One
Ukrainian-born, Australian-based virtuoso pianist Sonya Lifschitz performs in “duet” with herself in this groundbreaking collaboration with composer Damian Barbeler and media artist Tim Gruchy. Through innovative technology, watch Sonya perform alongside recordings of herself playing in Australia’s wild places, including the breathtaking salt Lake Gairdner. Known for her fiercely imaginative, daring collaborations across film, animation, spoken word, visual and performance art, Sonya’s Duet for One is a feast for both eyes and ears!
10:15 am, ARC Cinema | Tickets here
3. MYCELIUM (OR FUNGUS BY ANOTHER NAME…): Australia Fair?
The beloved all-female Flinders Quartet brings classical music into conversation with contemporary Australian identity. Alongside Bach, they’ll perform two world premieres, including Claire Higgins’ “Mycelium” and Bryony Marks’ thought-provoking “Australia Fair? (Volume I: The Australian Dream)” featuring video footage from the NFSA. Classical music with a distinctly Australian twist!
12:05 pm, ARC Cinema | Tickets here
4. I AM A TREE…..: Flowermuscle and the River Styx*
Experience the otherworldly talent of one of Australia’s most versatile sopranos, Jane Sheldon, as she presents her two most recent solo albums in one incredible live cinematic performance. Her multi-channel, spatialised rendition creates an immersive sound world that transports listeners to ethereal realms through her angelic voice. Prepare to be mesmerised!
2:15 pm, ARC Cinema | Tickets here
5. THE MYSTERY OF TIME: A Book of Hours*
End your MOSSO journey with this revelatory screen-dance presentation that explores the mystery of time. Featuring stop-motion film, live and filmed choreography, and contemporary classical music of Kate Neal performed by Rubiks Collective, this collaboration with visual artist Sal Cooper and choreographer Gerard Van Dyck offers a perfect contemplative finale to your festival experience.
4:45 pm, ARC Cinema | Tickets here
Whether you’re a devoted music lover or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, MOSSO offers the ideal election-day escape. Just vote early, and let the music move you!
THE ESSENTIALS
What: MOSSO: Music in Motion
When: 10 am – 6 pm, Saturday 3 May
Where: NFSA, McCoy Circuit, Acton
Web: Tickets available at cimf.org.au
