Composer/pianist Kym Alexandra Dillon and baritone Stephen Marsh, both based in Geelong, join forces with trailblazing Melbourne performing arts company Forest Collective to bring an important original work to local audiences.
Dillon’s composition Diapsalmata: Portrait of a Self is a reflection on her journey from gender dysphoria to self-discovery, featuring text from Danish existential philosopher Søren Kierkegaard set to music and sung by Marsh.
Marsh, who attended Christian College with Dillon (though his class was two years below hers), said Diapsalmata was one of the most important works he had ever performed.
“Having the opportunity to perform a piece like this is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” he said.
“To be part of this project, a part of Kym’s vision, to tell the story of someone, and a very personal story at that, is incredibly humbling.
“I can’t put into words how important this piece has been to me and my growth, both as an artist and a person. Although it’s a very personal story for Kym, it can be recognised and taken on by many people.
“It is relevant. It has the potential to change minds, change worlds, to encourage and help people. It speaks to everyone, to put it simply.”
For both Marsh and Dillon, the performance will be a homecoming of sorts, as they return to the school where both their musical journeys started.
“It’s exciting that I’ll be able to share this piece of music, this work and this journey, with everybody that encouraged me on the path to where I am now,” Marsh said.
“To be sharing that with Kym is very special, we talk about it often.”
Diapsalmata: Portrait of a Self is at Christian College’s RW Gibson Centre at 2pm on Saturday, July 15.
