Presented as part of the 2024 Adelaide Festival’s closing ceremonies, Floods of Fire symbolises the power of collective action in addressing the pressing challenge of climate change.
At its core, Floods of Fire is an artist-led community-building project—one of the largest collaborations in South Australia’s history. Conceived and directed by Airan Berg alongside Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO), the festival draws inspiration from flood and fire stories from South Australia’s diverse communities.
The festival unfolds in three captivating chapters over one weekend:
1 – Our Voices, Our Dreams: The University of Adelaide’s North Terrace campus and surrounding parklands will come alive for an afternoon with citizens, cultural leaders, artists, scientists, researchers, and activists sharing short artistic interventions inspired by climate change.
2 – Our Citizens’ Orchestra: Citizens’ Orchestra returns to Adelaide Festival, inviting people of all backgrounds and musical abilities to join this intercultural, intergenerational ensemble. Ordinary citizens will participate in workshops led by Music Directors Tim Steiner and Ricardo Baptista, collaborating with ASO musicians to co-create a performance piece at the Maths Lawn, University of Adelaide.
3 – Our Celebration with Electric Fields & the ASO: The grand finale promises a night of musical brilliance and celebration. The Floods of Fire Symphony, created in collaboration with the ASO, will premiere for one night only. In the second act, electronic music duo Electric Fields will perform beloved tracks and new music, resonating through Festival Theatre with the full might of the ASO.
Floods of Fire not only highlights the severity of climate change but also offers a platform for citizens to actively engage in the conversation. It will leave an indelible mark on South Australia’s cultural landscape, inspiring change and fostering a shared responsibility for the environment we call home.
