Bent Notes

5 Oct 2023

The Story of ‘STELLA’ – by Monique diMattina

Arts, Jazz, Music, Performing Arts

Stella Miiles Franklin was an Australian author, activist and feminist, leaving an endowment behind celebrating Australian Literature in the form of the annual  Miles Franklin Award.  However, Stella was much more than an author!

Inspired by the dramatic and exciting life story of Stella Miles Franklin, Melbourne based composer, vocalist and pianist Monique diMattina has written a new musical – STELLA – about the life of Stella Miles Franklin.

Monique has developed the music and script to the degree that it is ready for a public workshop performance before the next stage of development for the theatrical stage in 2024.

Moniquie spoke about the process to date, the admiration that she has for Stella, and shared her excitement at the both the opportunity for the workshops presentations and the cast she has assembled for the workshops including Alma Zygier, Xani Kolac, Fem Belling, Esther Henderson, Sam Lemann, Cat Canteri, Ben Robertson, Adrian Perger, Kalina Krusteva, Zara Giacobello, Darcy Kent and Monique herself.

STELLA – The Miles Franklin Story is in workshop mode at The Jazzlab on October 6,7 & 8, 2023

Hear what Monique had to say when she spoke with David Moyle on Bent Notes in this podcast from JOY 94.9.

Monique diMattina was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday September 24, 2023
Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights
JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station

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23 Nov 2023

Sonjas’ Artistic Outcomes for 2023

Arts, Jazz, Music, Performing Arts

Melbourne Drummer, Composer and Artistic Director of the Melbourne Women's International Jazz Festival, Sonja Horbelt visited the Bent Notes studio ...

25 Oct 2023

Cheryl’s work of Loss, Grief and Healing – Take Note 2023

Arts, Jazz, Music, Performing Arts

[caption id="attachment_2726" align="alignleft" width="221"] Cheryl Durongpisitikul[/caption] Cheryl Durongpisitkul spoke with David Moyle on Bent Notes about the work involved in preparing ...

24 Oct 2023

Katie’s Elixir of Poetry

Arts, Jazz, Music, Performing Arts

[caption id="attachment_3007" align="alignleft" width="300"] Zac Hurren, Katie Noonan, Ben Hauptmann[/caption] Katie  Noonan's ELIXIR project kicked off in 1997, with their goal ...