Creative Brisbane referred to Argo recently, as one of ‘New music’s most wanted‘. This revolutionary Brisbane contemporary classical/electronic duo, are about to present their next unique performance; a sonic descent into an underground world in Spring Hill Reservoir: ‘Flow‘.
Connor D’Netto and Ben Heim are the creative force behind Argo, pushing the boundaries of traditional classical and contemporary music. Connor and Ben’s unique composition and performance style includes incorporation of art, light, sound and electronics with neo-classical instrumentation.
Each concert is organic, with the audience encouraged to move around and view performers around the venue. At the last concert at St John’s Cathedral, artwork was projected onto the ceiling. ‘We encouraged the audience to lie down and watch the artwork unfold, and immerse themselves completely in the music,‘ explained Connor.
Musical background in their family
Connor’s grandmother originally encouraged him to start playing piano. He later gained experience in choral singing at St John’s Cathedral and violin and cello at high school. He was accepted into UQ, where he spent his first few years studying baritone, but then transferred over to composition under the auspices of Dr Robert Davidson.
Ben’s father was a composer and pianist, so he started his musical journey with piano lessons at home, but it wasn’t his ultimate passion. He preferred learning trumpet, drums and various other more contemporary instruments.
He intended to follow a career in performance, but unfortunately hurt his wrist in a skateboard accident. Fortunately for us, he discovered composition at UQ, attaining Honours.
Friends and composers become a partnership
Connor and Ben met at UQ and became friends. When asked why they work better in a team, rather than composing alone, they said ‘Composing together is difficult but it’s good. We both bring something unique to the table. Actually, it’s a strong logistics kind of thing. We couldn’t put one of these concerts on as an individual with all the lights, visuals, surround sound and everything. So we pool all our resources together.
We can create together, what one person couldn’t create on their own.’
Spare time, if any
Both Connor and Ben are photographers and film makers. So they spend nearly all of their spare time preparing the art, sound and light shows that accompany their compositions. When pressed though, Connor did say he previously worked as a chef and is interested in cooking.
Likewise, Ben’s life revolves around music. In addition to Argo, he also writes and performs in Fresco, an art/pop band and he writes music for advertisements. I explained that we ask this question to ‘show that you’re human’. Ben said ‘Yeah, unfortunately I’m not!’
That explains the ethereal, other-world aspect to their concerts!
Flow
The upcoming Flow concert on Friday 6 May 7:30pm at is in the Spring Hill Reservoir.
Performers will be placed at different points around the walls and there will be projectors on each wall, projecting artwork and images onto the columns. All works will be World Premieres, by Connor D’Netto and Ben Heim. Tickets: $20, including post concert function
‘The audience can walk between the columns to see and hear things from a different perspective. They can choose how they want to listen to it and what they see. We want audiences to become active, not passive, in how they experience the music’.
