Blue Mountains News

ODYSSEY – A Night of World Music Performance & Flamenco Dance with the Byron Mark Septet

By fusion boutique
Archived 15 Apr 2023 - Posted: 15 Feb 2023
An aurally and visually stunning event in the beautiful Palais Royale Grand Ballroom!
Join us for a Spanish inspired evening where musician and composer Byron Mark and an ensemble of musicians perform Byron’s latest album ‘ODYSSEY’ which is scored for piano, string quartet, tabla, cajon and percussion. It explores Flamenco and Indian rhythms, along with Classical and Jazz harmonies, and so much more!
 
Byron Mark is a professional percussionist, pianist and composer, who has established himself as an in-demand funk, flamenco, jazz, and pop performer both in Australia and internationally. Beginning with study in classical piano from a young age, Byron continued on to learn drums, percussion and saxophone, and has pursued specialist training on cajon in Spain and djembe in West Africa. “I love sounds and I love rhythm. Combining these, I love to create music. From a young age, I would tickle the ivories or tap out beats on anything I could find, and years later, nothing much has changed – in fact I probably do those things a whole lot more now! What has changed though is my musical awareness and knowledge, which continues to grow everyday on the lifelong journey of music.” – Byron Mark
 
After many tours and performances with flamenco ensembles around Australia, Byron has developed a strong passion for flamenco rhythms. He is using this knowledge to craft unique compositions inspired by flamenco palos, yet coloured with Latin and Jazz rhythms/harmonies, whilst staying true to his classical piano roots. With this, the ‘Byron Mark Septet’ was formed – and is a powerful live ensemble, with members from all around the world.

‘ODYSSEY’ explores the sonic possibilities when combining keys with a traditional string quartet, percussion, and flamenco dance. Byron will be performing on keyboard and cajon as part of the septet, along with a stellar ensemble including a string quartet, and cajon and tabla players. 

Guest flamenco dancer Lauren Majarres will perform on an elevated dance floor stage in featured pieces throughout the concert. It is mesmerising to watch the connection between the dancer’s footwork and the rhythms and melodies from the ensemble.

Byron’s debut album ‘AMALGAMATION’ in 2016 earned him top 5 in Australia for instrumental composition at the Australian Independent Music Awards. His current projects include percussionist and pianist for various flamenco ensembles in Sydney, including Paco Lara, ‘Arrebato Ensemble’ and Flamenkisimo. Byron also plays keyboards in the Frank Zappa show ‘Petulant Frenzy’, and keyboard/percussion in rhythm and movement ensemble ‘Jamestown Collective’. He is also well known for his unique ‘percussion station’ performance setup when playing in pop duo/trio formats – playing keyboards and percussion simultaneously.
 


SATURDAY 1st April 2023

Lobby Bar Open 5pm | Doors Open Grand Ballroom 5pm | Show Start 6pm

Venue: PALAIS ROYALE 230 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW 2780, Blue Mountains

More info and to book online: here
 
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