Finding Fondness – The Emerald Ruby (Jen Hankin) and Sally Walker

Join Central Coast Conservatorium of Music graduate and composer Jen Hankin (The Emerald Ruby) and renowned flautist Sally Walker for a pre-recording preview concert of five captivating flute duets commissioned by ABC Classic at Robert Knox Hall on Monday 10 July.

Originally from the Central Coast and now living in Newcastle, Jen Hankin, known by their artistic pseudonym “The Emerald Ruby”, has had a recent major success: a commission by ABC Classic and Jazz Composer Commission Fund. This highly competitive and sought after venture involves the creation, recording and performance of a collection of five captivating flute duets.

“Finding Fondness”, Hankin’s collections of Flute Duets have been composed for her and her mentor Sally Walker to record by the ABC in July. The works reflect some of her challenging themes inspired by Jen’s late-diagnosed Autistic experiences, delving into personal struggles, government red tape, the pursuit of beauty amidst pain and the quest for calm and stability. The composition combines elements of instrumental folk and classical music while pushing rhythmic and textural boundaries and transcends traditional ideas of what flute duets sound like.

Jen Hankin is a multidisciplinary artist based in Awabakal and Wollomi land. With a wide range of artistic pursuits, she explores themes of identity, self-expression, and the human experience through various mediums. Dr Sally Walker (Senior Performance Lecturer at the ANU School of Music) is a renowned flautist, performer, and educator, recognised for her exceptional skills and dedication to both historical and contemporary flute music. This collaboration showcases their shared commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and creating music that resonates with diverse audiences. By combining their exceptional talents, they aim to inspire listeners and bring forth new possibilities in flute duet performances. The collaboration between Jen Hankin and Sally Walker on “Finding Fondness” promises to be a ground-breaking musical endeavour.

The recording of “Finding Fondness” is scheduled to take place in July 2023 at the ABC studios in Ultimo with the release later in the year and will be presented at the Australian Flute Festival in Sydney, October 1, 2023. However, this is a special pre-recording preview concert taking place 3pm Monday 10th July at Central Coast Conservatorium’s Robert Knox Hall.

The collaboration between Jen Hankin and Sally Walker has been made possible through the ABC Classic and Jazz composer commission fund, which supports emerging and diverse Australian voices. The fund prioritizes opportunities for under-represented groups, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, gender diverse individuals, and other diverse voices.

Tickets: CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS