Acceptance Does Not Mean Surrender
- About the Work
- Touring & Tech
- Marketing & Engagement
Powerful music to process climate grief and cultivate resilience, guided by Australian scientists
Synopsis
Experience Acceptance Does Not Mean Surrender, a powerful reflection on climate resilience by ARIA-nominated pianist/composer Nat Bartsch. This 50 minute, immersive work is inspired by conversations with eight climate scientists, including Joelle Gergis, Andrew Watkins, and several lead authors of the National Climate Risk Assessment.
Each movement of the piece is based around a theme that emerged from their conversations.
You’ll hear the voices of these scientists embedded through the work, as well as the sounds and video of natural environments they hold dear, woven together by an ensemble of leading Melbourne jazz, classical and ambient artists. The music is deeply beautiful, sometimes challenging, and ultimately cathartic.
Inspire audiences to connect with nature, listen to the science, process challenging emotions, and find beauty in broken places. This work was commissioned by Monash Art Ensemble, and will be released as Nat’s 10th album during COP31 in November 2026 .
Video
Technical Information
Lighting
Video projections operated via Nat’s laptop, using Qlab/Ableton live – just require HDMI connection.
Core quartet performs with click track/headphones (sourced direct from Nat’s interface), monitoring provided through onstage speakers to all performers.
Lighting low, natural colours
Sconces may be required (we can provide some if required).
Audio
Input list below for full 10-piece performance (can be scaled smaller – less strings/horns):
1.Piano L
2.Piano R
3.Laptop – voice samples (mono)
4.Laptop L – synths, FX, nature
5.Laptop R – synths, FX, nature
6.Laptop – synth bass (mono)
7.Double bass DI
8.Guitar amp mic
9.Trumpet
10.Alto saxophone
11.Violin 1
12.Violin 2
13.Viola
14.Cello
15.-20. Drum mics
21.Talk mic
Artist and live mix engineer to supply:
Allen & Heath SQ5 mixer and dropboxes – currently not written on stage plan, as we just purchased it this week, will update!
Macbook Pro M3 running Ableton Live and Qlab
Motu Ultralite mk5 interface
Yamahiko piano pickup (for FX)
Radial PZ-DI (for FX)
Radial mic splitter
Midi fighter twister controller
Arturia minilab mk 3 controller Novation launchpad mini mk3
4 channel headphone amp Behringer powerplay P2 belt clip x 4
Wired headphones/IEMs x 4
Snare & cymbals
Backline upon request
Venue to provide (for 10 piece)
Monitors x 8
DPA4099 mics or similar x 2 for piano (or we can provide piano mics on request)
DPA4099 mics/clips or pencil condensors x 6 for strings/sax/tpt
Mics as appropriate for amps/drumkit
Talk mic on short stand or music rest (eg. SM58)
Projector and screen, HDMI connection
6 x DIs (or we can provide upon request)
Backline (if unable to be provided by artist):
Guitar amp (Fender Princeton, VOC AC15 or similar)
bass amp (Mark Bass CMD121 1×12″ or similar)
drumkit (Gretsch broadcasters in bop sizes or similar)
drum hardware (DW or similar)
Staging
Screen for film projection
Tuned piano with height adjustable piano stool
Chairs x 7
Small table (approx 100cm x 50cm) to left of piano
Music stands x 9
Crew Notes
Transport Notes
Yes, production can travel by plane.
For full 10 – piece ensemble: 2 x people movers or 1 tonne-van and 10-seater bus.
Minimum touring party (5) – 1 x 8 seater people mover
Audience & Marketing Notes
My audience covers classical, jazz and ambient audiences of all ages, including children and seniors. Including ABC Classic 100 voters ( I was in the top 100 twice, and have since performed for the MSO Classic 100 concert on ABC TV/iview).
People who are passionate about climate change and environmental conservation, and their loved ones.
Past attendees of concerts of related projects (for example, my RAV tour of Hope to fire-affected communities in Gippsland and Ararat in 2024).
Selling Points
- Climate change is upon us - as the January fires in central Victoria reminded us. This is a captivating work that helps communities understand whats at stake.
- This work uses the real voices and personal perspectives of leading Australian climate scientists - most of whom co-authored our National Climate Risk Assessment.
- It is important to create opportunities allow communities to process climate grief and worry together. The premiere of this work led to a long standing ovation.
Community Engagement
- Pre or post concert talks can be arranged with Nat and participating scientists.
- Nat is able to do composer workshops around the work, and/or using music for wellbeing and emotion.
- Hadyn Buxton (audio engineer/TM) and Nat can deliver workshops on live sound and career development.
- All members of her core ensemble are high school/tertiary educators, and able to work with school students around music improvisation.
Content Warning
Details
Genre
Audience
Venue Format
Proscenium arch, Black box, Outdoor, Hall
Duration
60 Minutes
Available
18/12/2027
Budget & Fees
What are these? Find out more.In Development - work which will be produced and premiered in time for touring during 2026/2027. Please contact the Producer directly for Budgets and Fees.
Remount: $7,800
Weekly Sell Off: $28,000
Per Performance: $7,500
