Press Release
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BRAVESHIP
Matt Cook, writer and composer
Azra’s Orchestra
Mirusia, soprano
Catalogue Number: ORC100319
Release Date: Nov 15th
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Welcome aboard the Braveship. Written and composed by Dr. Matt Cook, this symphonic story tells the musical tale of a young boy who sails aboard a magic airship across a universe of floating continents.
BRAVESHIP
(Matt Cook 1989-)
1. Braveship Takes Flight
2. Compass of Dreams
3. New World Landing
4. March of the Ants
5. On Wings of Centaurs
6. Dance of the Naiads
7. Necklace of Memory
8. Pixies in the Galley
9. Parade of Mammoths
10. Saber-Toothed Panther
11. Flight of the Firebird
12. The Last Aeronauts
13. Fly with Me (feat. Mirusia)
Braveship – The Story
Young Azra has grown up on a mysterious, floating continent surrounded by fog. What lies beyond the edge of his world? Legend tells of other continents that split away in previous centuries. An adventurer at heart, Azra resolves to test legend despite the counsel of his elders, who caution against the dangers of unbridled exploration.
Using a secret he learns from a rare, fog-dwelling firebird, Azra builds and sets sail on the Braveship. Guided by the firebird, he discovers a vast landscape of other continents floating in the fog. Not only that, but something seems to be splitting these worlds apart—and as the only one who can traverse the fog, it’s up to him to stop the destruction.
Little does Azra know at first, he has a stowaway. An outlaw known as Finn has stolen a spot aboard the Braveship. But when the firebird is hunted by the Braveship’s enemies, Azra needs a navigator—and as he ventures into new and ever more distant worlds, he also needs a friend.
The multimedia nature of Braveship is intended to inspire a love of the musical arts and demonstrate the storytelling power of the classical orchestra. The Braveship program is accompanied by an educational handbook geared toward students of all levels, offering a curriculum in music appreciation as well as science, technology, engineering, and mathematical topics (S.T.E.A.M.) related to the Braveship story. This comprehensive guide is tailored to support educators in enriching students’ educational journeys through the power of orchestral music. The handbook contains lesson plans, quizzes, activities, and other resources.
Fly With Me – Single
“Fly with Me,” the grand finale of the epic Braveship symphonic suite by Dr. Matt Cook, lifts off and soars this Oct 25 from Orchid Classics. Performed by Mirusia, who is hailed as the “Angel of Australia” for her ethereal voice, the song brings a sense of hope and triumph to the adventure story of Braveship. The song was recorded and mixed by multi-GRAMMY winning audio engineer Leslie Ann Jones, the Director of Music Recording and Scoring at Skywalker Sound. It was produced by Matt Cook and Dan Merceruio, GRAMMY-winning classical producer.
“Fly with Me” is a lyrical piece that combines the technical artistry of opera with the relatability of musical theater. The light orchestral textures give listeners a feeling of flying through the air, of tumbling and twirling through clouds and catching updrafts to soar to ever greater heights. Vocals glide over the sweeping orchestral arrangements, evoking a journey of the human heart and spirit. The words are sung under the shadow of some nameless darkness or hardship, from the perspective of a woman imploring a loved one—a soulmate, child, or friend—to see the light in life and recognize happiness as still possible. The woman asks her beloved to once again “fly with her” to a dream. The song serves as a metaphor for man’s triumph over adversity.
ORCHID CLASSICS TO RELEASE BRAVESHIP – NOV 15th 2024
SINGLE – “FLY WITH ME” OCT 25, 2024
GRAND FINALE TO THE BRAVESHIP SUITE
MUSIC AND LYRICS BY MATT COOK — SUNG BY MIRUSIA
He is soon joined by a princess in disguise, as well as an outlaw who offers him the Compass of Dreams—an artifact that guides them in their quest and helps navigate the human heart. An instant classic on an epic scale, this musical spectacular contains twelve instrumental movements, featuring virtuoso Eva Schaumkell on piano—and a song, Fly with Me, performed by Mirusia, the “Angel of Australia.”
This collectible album’s exclusive content includes narration by Irish voiceover artist Mary Hilary, a travel poster series, illustrations by preeminent international artists, and more. Audiences around the globe are invited to embark on this musical journey, become enchanted by the lushness and romance of the Braveship Suite, and relish its sweeping, timeless themes.
The release of “Fly with Me” precedes the full release of the Braveship album. Composed by international bestselling author and composer Dr. Matt Cook, Braveship is a narrated symphonic spectacular for audiences aged 5 to 105.
This multimedia collector’s album of all-original orchestral music has thirteen movements, accompanied by fantastical illustrations. Artworks and animations are projected on screen during live shows. In a storytelling format like Peter and the Wolf or Carnival of the Animals, Braveship invites audiences on an adventure with an orphan boy who flies a magic airship to distant lands, discovering the family he never had.
Braveship has been adapted as a full-length novel and is in production as a video game. Produced by a GRAMMY-winning team at a Disney studio, the album will be released Nov 15, 2024 by Orchid Classics, and features contributions from over 150 talented virtuosos, artists, and engineers from 20+ countries.
Matt Cook
Composer Matt Cook adheres to the motto, “Live great stories; tell great stories.” Based in Los Angeles, he tells his stories through music, writing, magic, and numbers. He strives to imbue each symphonic work with a vivid emotional narrative, driven by the philosophy that change and variety propel a musical plot, while theme and motif create a sense of purpose. Outside of composing, Dr. Cook is an economist, Los Angeles Times bestselling author, and executive film producer. Drawing from experience in over 175 countries, Dr. Cook delights in infusing his creations with international intrigue and a sense of adventure. As a close-up magician trained at the Magic Castle, he often weaves sleight of hand into his talks and lectures. He has performed in Hollywood and across the globe, from remote Maasai bomas in Tanzania—to gypsy villages in Romania—to the bustling street markets of Mongolia in the coldest of winters. Learn more at www.visitmatt.com.
Mirusia
Mirusia, lauded as one of the globe’s most sought-after sopranos, commands an international stage presence spanning operas, musicals, oratorios, and stadium-sized concerts. She launched into a decade of international stardom as the principal soprano alongside André Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra, where she enchanted world leaders, royalty, and millions of fans. Mirusia graces over 20 million records and DVDs sold globally, both collaboratively with André Rieu and as a solo artist. Acknowledged by ARIA as Australia’s preeminent classical crossover artist, her albums consistently top ARIA and AIR charts, earning myriad #1 rankings across pop, classical crossover, classical, jazz & blues, and music DVD categories. Mirusia’s accolades include Platinum and Gold Album Sales Awards, an ARIA #1 Award, and the 2022 Hollywood Music in Media Award.
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