The artistic director of Melbourne’s Sunwrae Ensemble, Rae Howell, chats about the group’s unique blend of classical, jazz and world music.

So the Sunwrae Ensemble is embarking on its first international tour this year?
Yes, I’ve given a few solo performances before in the States, Canada, Europe and South America, but this is our first international ensemble tour. So that’s quite exciting, being able to take the ensemble with me rather than going by myself.

And why is the first international destination Ho Chi Minh City?
Some months ago I had a meeting with the Consulate General through the City of Melbourne; they were looking for artists to present over there. I was the only musician present, along with a dance producer, theatre producer and visual artist. They were looking for different performing arts and visual arts to showcase in Ho Chi Minh that could also be part of cross-cultural collaborations with Vietnamese artists. It’s come together beautifully.

Will there be lots of collaborations or will it be the same kind of show that you’re taking on tour in Australia?
It’s mostly the same show we’re touring in May and June but there’ll be a few works in collaboration, so...