So Near, So Far

A meditation on the significant legacy of Charles Yelverton O’Connor

Doors 5 pm | Show at 6 pm

Duke of George presents

So Near, So Far with Michael Pignéguy, 
Fiona Rea, Emily Gelineau p****lus Special Guests

Led by Michael Pignéguy with Fiona Rea and Emily Gelineau, this project is a meditation on the significant legacy of Charles Yelverton O’Connor, the almost unstoppable Irish Engineer who played an instrumental role in shaping the state’s future at the turn of the 20th Century.

From the majestic Fremantle Harbour to the controversial Kalgoorlie pipeline, which stoked the fires of gold prospector determination, O’Connor’s creativity, foresight, determination and brilliance has had an indelible effect on every single West Australian. 

Due to his historical importance, cultural doyen Helen Matthews, saw fit to commission Michael in 2003 to compose a work in O’Connor’s honour to open the Fremantle International Jazz Festival. Michael did just that and created his own impression of key points of the master’s life in the form of a four movement suite for a 27 piece ensemble which brought together an 8 voice, chorale, strings and jazz instruments.

So Near, So Far seeks to continue to explore the ideas and concepts of the original work but delve more fully into the cultural and familial aspects of O’Connor’s experience. In particular, Michael, Fiona and Emily aim to communicate some of the feelings and emotions that emerge as a result of the challenges faced by those who choose to leave familiar shores and voyage to new and exotic lands. 

It is the group’s hope that the spirit of the music will flourish within the new artistic partnership and be a worthy tribute to the great man’s legacy.

Michael Pignéguy - composer/instrumentalist

Fiona Rea - vocalist/instrumentalist

Emily Gelineau - violinist/pianist/composer

PLUS Special Guests!