A cinematic odyssey exploring the waterways that have shaped our world, in all their majesty and fragility.

For millions of years, rivers shaped landscapes and sustained communities. In flow, flood and drought, rivers gave life and carried it away. In two short centuries, humans have begun to re-shape rivers. We build dams upstream to sustain our cities. We alter flood plains and vary flows. Downstream, the changes can be catastrophic.

ACO Artistic Director Richard Tognetti and Director Jennifer Peedom follow their acclaimed Mountain with this cinematic exploration of the waterways that have shaped our world. On screen, the rivers flow in rhythm and harmony with music from outstanding composers. The result is an awe-inspiring combination of timeless music, captivating cinematography, and distinctive narration from Academy Award™ winner Willem Dafoe.

River is a visceral experience that is both dream-like and urgent. At its one-off premiere performance in 2022, reviewers said – “River does not request your attention. It demands your surrender.” – SMH ★★★★

ARTISTS 

Richard Tognetti Musical Director, Composer & Violin
William Barton Composer, Vocals & Didgeridoo
Satu Vänskä Vocals & Violin
Australian Chamber Orchestra

Jennifer Peedom Writer & Director
Robert Macfarlane Writer
Jo-anne McGowan, Jennifer Peedom and John Smithson Producers
Joseph Nizeti Co-Writer & Co-Director
Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Ben Knight, Sherpas Cinema, Renan Ozturk and Pete McBride Principal Cinematography
Willem Dafoe Narrator
Nigel Jamieson Staging Director
Damien Cooper Lighting Design

PROGRAM 

River: film live in concert, featuring music by Bach, Vivaldi, Mahler, Sibelius, Ravel, Thomas Adès, Peteris Vasks, Richard Tognetti, Radiohead, Jonny Greenwood and William Barton.

ADDITIONAL TICKETING INFORMATION

Concessions apply to
Pensioners
Commonwealth Healthcare cardholders

Students
$25 tickets available for full time students. Proof of current study must be produced before tickets are issued.
B, C and D-Reserves only.

Under 35 years 
$35 tickets available for people aged under 35 years at the date of the concert. Valid proof of age must be produced.
A, B, C and D-Reserves only.

Mobile tickets will be emailed shortly after the order confirmation.

A one-off handling fee of $6.90 applies to all web, phone, mail and in-person bookings. An additional fee of $4.40 per transaction applies for delivery via Registered Post. All ticket / item prices include GST, if applicable.

RUNNING TIMES 

Start 7:30pm
No interval
Finish 8:45pm*

*Times are approximate and subject to change at any time.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

WARDLE KITCHEN MENU
View the Wardle Kitchen menu.
No bookings necessary. 

GRAB & GO
View the Grab & Go menu.
No bookings necessary. 

Cold drinks, including alcohol, will be allowed inside the auditorium for this event. However, food and hot drinks are NOT permitted inside the auditorium.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography, video-recording and audio-recording will NOT be permitted during the performance.

Presented by Australian Chamber Orchestra in association with Perth Festival