2009 Classical Music Awards: eclectic range of new music talent to perform
Thursday, 10 September 2009
As anticipation builds around the 2009 Classical Music Awards, a very diverse and rare program of Australian new music artists has been announced for the evening including the Sydney premiere of Crossing Roper Bar, featuring the Australian Art Orchestra and the Young Wagilak Group from Ngukurr in Arnhem Land.
Proudly presented by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) and the Australian Music Centre (AMC), the Classical Music Awards will be held at The Playhouse at the Sydney Opera House, on Monday 21st September. Composers, performers, educators, critics and music lovers will once again gather for Australia’s annual celebration of contemporary classical music.
Hosted by Fenella Kernebone, the 2009 Classical Music Awards will feature outstanding performances from a diverse range of new music artists. From the inspiring voices of the Sydney Children’s Choir, to the harmonious collaboration of harp (Marshall McGuire) and shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute – Riley Lee), the evening promises a night of rare performances to honour Australia’s outstanding talent in contemporary classical music.
In addition, the winner of the prestigious award for ‘Distinguished Services to Australian Music’ performing a very personal and emotive work at the Awards Ceremony.
As part of the Awards program, APRA and the AMC are thrilled to present the Sydney Premiere of Wild Black Fella from Crossing Roper Bar, performed by the Australian Art Orchestra and the Young Wagilak Group from Ngukurr in Arnhem Land. This incredible collaboration toured regional Australia in 2008 and is a finalist in the category ‘Outstanding Contribution to Australian Music in a Regional Area’. Acclaimed by Dr Aaron Corn as “nothing less than a collaborative and artistic triumph” this piece has proved particularly significant in building the genuine Indigenous musical tradition with new Australian and international audiences.
Under the artistic direction of the internationally renowned conductor Lyn Williams, the Sydney Children’s Choir will open the 2009 Awards with a moving performance of the still and peaceful work, The Domination of Dreams. Over the last 20 years the Sydney Children’s Choir has commissioned over 60 works from leading Australian composers and inspired audiences across the globe with their distinctive Australian choral sound. Recent performance highlights by the Sydney Children’s Choir include the world premiere of Ngailu – Boy of the Stars with children from the Torres Strait Islands, singing at the Papal Welcome as part of World Youth Day and the annual Voices of Angels festive concerts at City Recital Hall Angel Place.
Renowned harpist Marshall McGuire and shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) grand master Riley Lee have received acclaim around the world for their unique collaborations and will be performing Stewart Greenbaum’s piece Life in a Day. Lee commissioned this unique work for the 2008 World Shakuhachi Festival and is nominated for this in the category ‘Outstanding Contribution by an Individual’. Life in a Day exploits the natural tuning of the shakuhachi but also incorporates the modern influences of contemporary jazz and lounge style music.
The 2009 Classical Music Awards
- Monday 21 September
- Sydney Opera House
- Playhouse Theatre
View full list of finalists>
About the Classical Music Awards>
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