Graeme Leak’s background is in classical, experimental and contemporary music. He also embraces instrument making, theatre and composition in his genre-defying practice, working as a performer, conductor, composer and installation artist. HIs career highlights include 10 years of international touring as a co-creator of The Spaghetti Western Orchestra, with productions at the Montreal Jazz Festival and the Royal Albert Hall; premiering over 100 newly commissioned solo and ensemble works with contemporary music groups Flederman and Synergy in the 90s; extensive touring of solo recitals and original shows such as From Africa to the Kitchen Sink, LISTEN! and The Lab (with Linsey Pollak); and glockenspiel soloist in From the Canyons to the Stars at the Sydney Opera House in 1988 in the presence of Olivier Messiaen.
Eco Opera started during lockdown – Graeme turned to creating and installing instruments in his surroundings that are ‘played’ by nature, in effect handing over performing responsibilities to the wind, the rain, sheep, birds, cows and rabbits. The animals are mostly enthusiastic collaborators but some have a bit of attitude.