The Dandy Warhols, Mona and TSO collide in Hobart this November

This November, Tasmania is playing host to two unique collaborations between members of the TSO and American rock band The Dandy Warhols.

On Tuesday 24 November, The Dandy Warhols will team up with the full orchestra for the launch of the band’s Australian tour in Hobart.

The concert at the Odeon Theatre will be the band’s first ever symphonic gig in this country and the only orchestral show of the tour.

Zia McCabe’s SEE HEAR NOW opens at Mona

Then, on 26 November, the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) will unveil a new immersive and interactive musical installation by Dandy Warhols band member Zia McCabe, with music performed by TSO musicians.

SEE HEAR NOW, opening 26 November 2026, features McCabe’s new musical work, described as a ‘non-linear sonata’, which she composed with the support of Tamil Rogeon and Louise Woodward (the duo behind The Dandy Warhols’ symphonic arrangements).

The installation at Mona is an ‘ambient sound-filled, earth-toned, mid-century lounge that responds to visitor interactions’.

Various objects will be transformed into music as visitors touch them, setting off overlapping soundscapes. The music will always sound in harmony, regardless of which combinations are playing.

How TSO musicians helped create Mona’s new interactive sound installation

The musical creation features classical instrumentation with McCabe’s analogue psychedelic synth.

The instrument parts were recorded by TSO cellist Martin Penicka (pictured below), along with Tobias Chisnall and Chris Nicholas (violin), Will Newbery (viola) and Greg Stevens (French horn).

After being involved in the recording at Mona’s Frying Pan Studios, Martin says he’s keen to see the installation come to life.

‘It was a very different experience compared to a classical chamber or orchestra recording session. We had several printed cues to record, but then also some variations of these, as well as some additional takes for experimenting and exploration of similar ideas and alternate versions,’ Martin says.

‘I'm certainly keen to experience the exhibition in its entirety.’

According to Mona, SEE HEAR NOW was motivated by McCabe’s sense that human nature is being eroded by an onslaught of information.

Following the teachings of Be Here Now, the 1970s manual for conscious being by the American guru Ram Dass, it invites visitors to be present – to see and hear in the now.

You may also be interested in the TSO's upcoming collaboration with iconic American singer-songwriter and pianist Ben Folds.

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