A true-crime queer love story for voices, percussion and viola, Homophonic! and The Consort of Melbourne presents the Australian premiere of Wally Gunn and Maria Zajkowski’s epic oratorio, Moonlite, at the Fitzroy Town Hall on Saturday 26 July 2025.
Winner of the Albert H. Maggs Composition Prize, one of Australia’s most prestigious awards for composition, Moonlite is a genre defying 90-minute oratorio for voices, percussion, and viola, that brings to life a compelling tale of injustice, love, and identity set against the backdrop of colonial Victoria’s Gold Rush era.
Inspired by the death-cell love letters, court records, and historical accounts of Andrew George Scott, the 19th-century bushranger known as Captain Moonlite, and his relationship with fellow outlaw James Nesbitt.
With music by Wally Gunn and lyrics by Maria Zajkowski, Moonlite premiered in the United States to critical acclaim, this will be the first time the work is performed in the country and state where its story unfolds.
Presented by Homophonic!, a leader in queer classical music commissioning and performance since 2011, the Australian premiere is directed by Miranda Hill and Steven Hodgson.
Featuring Melbourne’s premiere vocal ensemble, The Consort of Melbourne, alongside an outstanding instrumental line-up including Louise Devenish, Hamish Upton, Kaylie Melville, and Zela Papageorgiou (percussion), with Phoebe Green on viola. Lighting by Bronwyn Pringle.
Moonlite
Fitzroy Town Hall, 201 Napier Street, Fitzroy
Performance: Saturday 26 July 2025 – 7.00pm
Information and Bookings: www.homophonic.com.au
Image: Homophonic! presents Moonlite (supplied)