Finnish-Australian cellist and singer Simon Svoboda performs “Halla” in our latest Live at Phoenix film, directed by Max Hemmings.

Bridging his love of contemporary songwriting with melodic ideas reminiscent of Baroque and early-modern periods, Svoboda layers intricate arpeggiation with exquisite vocalisations. 

Meanwhile, Hemmings’ camera seems to fracture his body into cubist fragments, evoking a powerful sense of the tension and relief felt during the depths of a Finnish winter.

Svoboda performs on a 19th century Venetian cello once owned by his grandfather. 

Director: Max Hemmings
Live at Phoenix Producers: Soie An, Angus Hunt, and Josh Milch
Cinematographer: Jack Saltmiras
Editors: Andrea Chen and Max Hemmings
1st AC: Luke Rodeley
Lighting Designer: Andre Vanderwert
Makeup Artist: Lenny Irwin
Recording Engineer: Michael Wickens
Recording Assistant: Nathan Moas
Associate Producer: Chelsea Wittleton
Mix Engineer: Nathan Moas
Executive Producer: Judith Neilson