The vast and fascinating MOD. exhibition Forever, at the University of South Australia, investigates the concept of time from multiple viewpoints, including human growth and ageing, species evolution and extinction and cosmic evolution, questioning our ideas of time and infinity, and situating our brief, troubled lives within the broadest perspective.

It is against this profoundly thought-provoking backdrop that Chamber Music Adelaide staged the concert Perspectives on Forever, which responds to the exhibition and includes newly commissioned works by composers David Kotlowy and Amelia Rooney.

MOD.’s Forever exhibition. Photo courtesy MOD.

As is typical of MOD. exhibitions, Forever is educational and interactive and blends scientific display with installation art. The audience was encouraged to study the exhibition before the concert.

CMA is an umbrella organisation representing several chamber music ensembles and numerous solo artists, and it promotes the presentation and development of chamber music across South Australia. Combining a Baroque string ensemble with the ancient Chinese zither, the guzheng, or with live electronics, creates not only interesting sonic possibilities but also bridges cultures and eras, thus adding musical evolution to the scope of...