Sunwrae

The exquisite Sunwrae Ensemble was founded during 2001 in Melbourne Australia. Showcasing some of Australia's finest versatile musicians, the unique and flexible line-up includes piano, vibraphone, string quartet, harp, clarinets, alto flute, lap-steel guitar, double bass, drum-set and percussion.
Dynamic, engaging and visually stimulating, Sunwrae stylishly captivate audiences, performing instrumental music by Artistic Director Rae Howell, textured with persuasive rhythms and spectacular improvisation!
Described as "Animated and energetic..." (Music Forum 2007), “Spellbinding” (Music Network, 2008) and "Hypnotically beautiful with a flowing cinematic feel..." (The Age 2006), one of the world's premier nu chamber groups feature a repertoire of solo works to large ensemble arrangements. Performing a lush blend of melodic phrases and interweaving rhythms, Howell's compositions are a rare treat, crossing the boundaries of classical and jazz music, with the passages of improvisation giving their performances an immediacy and vibrancy rarely experienced in a classical recital.
Sunwrae Album releases include Never Stops to Wait (2005), funded by Arts Victoria and the Australia Council, several Live CDs & DVDs from the Eavesdropping Concert & Art Exhibition Series (2003-2007) and Autumn Never Fall, a new studio album released in 2009. Festival appearances by the nu chamber group include Apollo Bay Festival, Bright Spring Festival (VIC), SxSW Festival (Austin TX) and Golden Plains Festival (VIC). A Live National Broadcast on ABC Classic FM’s Sunday Live and ABC TV’s Sunday Arts paved the way for their 2007 National Tour, followed by two highly acclaimed performances at the Famous International Spiegeltent in Melbourne. 2009 saw the Sunwrae Ensemble touring Australia to 20 destinations as a 9-piece group (through Arts Victoria and The Contemporary Music Touring Program), launching the new album ‘Autumn Never Fall’ and animation film ’The Machine’.
Artistic Director and leader of the Sunwrae Ensemble, Rae Howell, is a freelance composer and performer on piano & vibraphone. A graduate of Melbourne University's Conservatorium, Howell performs as a guest multi- instrumentalist (also on brass, vocals & percussion), crossing a vast range of musical genres in live performance, recording and international touring. In addition to Sunwrae, Howell has worked with Australian Puppet Theatre Company Peepshow Inc, Improvised Dance Ensemble State of Flux, Sydney's The Song Company and countless film and mixed-media projects. A finalist in the 2006 APRA Professional Development Awards Howell is the only Australian represented composer of Cantilena Music in London, UK.
Howell’s international collaborations include commissions from the ARENA International Theatre Festival in Germany, and has been Musician in Residence at The Banff Centre in Alberta Canada, and The Atlantic Center for the Arts in Florida USA and this year was awarded a UNESCO Bursary to attend The Instituto Sacatar in Brazil. She has worked with Jazz Hall of Fame musician Sam Rivers (USA), Royal Society of Arts Fellow composer/percussionist Eugene Skeef (Sth Africa/UK) and currently works with electronic recording engineer Jon Cohrs (NY, USA), in 'Rabbits without Spleens'.
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Further reviews:
"Sunwrae is, without question, Australia’s best kept secret... The music paints every style, every influence, in complete, organic harmony."
The Silent Ballet 2009
"Rae Howell is a composition and musical genius" Faster Louder 2009
"The Sunwrae Ensemble have true power and a brilliant finish…" Karl Schwonik, Jazz Musician, Canada 2006
"Sunwrae…weaves a calming magic" Clive O'Connell, The Age 2006
"The Sunwrae Ensemble are fronted by the talents of musician, composer and vibraphonist extraordinaire Rae Howell.
Their set was mesmerizing." Tim Clarke, Luna Kafé concert review, 2005
"All five tracks are superb... Autumn is finally here, and so is its soundtrack." Stephen McKenzie, Melbourne Weekly 2005
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