Born in Melbourne of Australian/Indonesian descent, Ria draws on her deep respect for the Javanese musical tradition in her song writing and collaborative projects. Her distinct , haunting vocal style also reflects an eclectic range of influences, and she has recorded with a diverse range of ensembles – across genres including contemporary and trad world, to jazz and improvisation.
Ria has a passion for collaborating with artists across diverse artforms and cultures. She regularly performs original compositions with her trio ‘Fine Blue Thread’ which melds tabla, cello, viola and voice.
Ria has received Green Room nominations for her compositions and live music performance for dance works– including Enfold (2016) and Opal Vapour (2013) – and an award with Helen Mountfort for ‘Tower Suites’(2012), with dancer Ros Warby.
Ria has a passion for collaborating with artists across diverse artforms and cultures. She regularly performs original compositions with her trio ‘Fine Blue Thread’ which melds tabla, cello, viola and voice.
Ria has received Green Room nominations for her compositions and live music performance for dance works– including Enfold (2016) and Opal Vapour (2013) – and an award with Helen Mountfort for ‘Tower Suites’(2012), with dancer Ros Warby.
' Ria Soemardjo sings. Her whole body becomes voice.
There is a kind of simplicity to her physicality that makes space for the sound to emerge as pure affect.'
Philipa Rothfield
Real Time magazine April 2012
There is a kind of simplicity to her physicality that makes space for the sound to emerge as pure affect.'
Philipa Rothfield
Real Time magazine April 2012
