Ekrem Eli PHOENIX

The music of composer Ekrem Eli Phoenix has been described by the press as “risk-taking and other worldly”. Much of his work is concept-driven and explores technology, voice, storytelling and ethnomusicology. Acclaimed for his innovative and experimental works, Ekrem is an award-winning composer for theatre, film and dance as well as the concert hall.

Prolific in Australian arts scene as a composer, performer and educator since 2005, Ekrem holds a PhD degree in composition from Sydney Conservatorium and his collaborations include projects with Gravity & Other Myths, The Song Company, Force Majeure, Ensemble Offspring, Belvoir Street Theatre, and Centre of Creative Research into Sound Arts Practice at University of the Arts, London.

His most recent work ‘Macro’ with Gravity & Other Myths was composed for the opening ceremonies of both Adelaide and Edinburgh International festivals. Developed in collaboration with musicians from Scotland and with first nations Australian artists under his musical direction, Macro proved to be a culturally and historically significant event for Australian arts.

Helpmann Award winner and 2020 APRA Art Music Awards finalist with his work ‘Out of Chaos’, Ekrem’s currently touring project is ’The Pulse’, a physical theatre production featuring a 30 acrobat ensemble and a 30 voice all-female choir. Devised and developed during the global pandemic, headlining Adelaide Festival in 2021 for its world premier and the winner of Best Show, Best Design and Best Circography at International Circus Awards, The Pulse encapsulates a daring response to a most significant time in our history.

Alongside his musical pursuits, Ekrem has also taken active roles in accessible arts projects, assisted disadvantaged youth through creativity, and worked as a non-religious, faith inclusive chaplain at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, supporting patients with cancer and heart ailments as well as in palliative care.