The C.Y.O’Connor Project

This project is a meditation on the significant legacy of Charles Yelverton O’Connor, the almost unstoppable Irish Engineer who played an instrumental role in shaping the state’s future at the turn of the 20th Century.  From the majestic Fremantle Harbour to the controversial Kalgoorlie pipeline, which stoked the fires of gold prospector determination, O’Connor’s creativity, foresight, determination and brilliance has had an indelible effect on every single West Australian. 

Due to his historical importance, cultural doyen Helen Matthews, saw fit to commission Michael in 2003 to compose a work in O’Connor’s honour to open the Fremantle International Jazz Festival. Michael did just that and created his own impression of key points of the master’s life in the form of a four movement suite for a 27 piece ensemble which brought together an 8 voice, chorale, strings and jazz instruments. The musical scope of the work was significant as Michael presented O’Connor’s life through the lens:

• Initiation

• Success

• Tragedy 

• Liberation

These focal points allowed for the emotional exploration of O’Connor’s formative years in Ireland and then his move half around the world to Western Australia following the completion of challenging projects in New Zealand. His drive to transform his new home and reshape its future is one of the great national stories, not only for the vision that it represented but also for the scale of what was completed in such a short time. 

The original four movement work, which was performed on the steps of the Maritime Museum in Fremantle, mesmerised the audience while the depth of artistic expression that was conveyed with the amazing array of artists that was assessembled. The NEW PROJECT with vocalist Fiona Rea and violinist/pianist/composer Emily Gelineau seeks to continue to explore the ideas and concepts of the original work but delve more fully into the cultural and familial aspects of O’Connor’s experience. Michael hopes the spirit of the music will flourish within the new artistic partnership and be a worthy tribute to the great man’s legacy.