NOMINATION: Work of the Year - Dramatic
Dramatic works are defined as music primarily intended for theatre and dance, such as opera, music theatre and ballet.
A work is defined as a single complete musical composition, or expression. This includes music with movements or sub-works (i.e. song cycles), installations, and real-time compositions (improvised music).
If you believe your work to be nominated in the wrong category or the details of your nomination to be incorrect, please contact the AMC via email at awards@australianmusiccentre.com.au before proceeding with the nomination.
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Nominee
Aija Draguns
Title of the work
In Cosmic Utero
Librettist(s) or source author(s)
Bianca Watkins
Performer
Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conducted by Aija Draguns
Performance Date
28/11/2024
Venue
NIDA Parade Theatre
Nominator Statement
Draguns work In Cosmic Utero is an expertly crafted piece of chamber opera which has invaluably contributed to carving out the future of contemporary opera in Australia. The work explores engaging themes of Latvian folklore (whilst still being highly relevant to Australian audiences) accompanied by a brilliantly and beautifully written score incorporating complex and interesting musical elements, though still being accessible and enjoyable to the audience member experiencing opera for the first time.
Inspired by traditional Latvian folklore, whimsical drama In Cosmic Utero explores the collision between celestial mother nature and the mundane human world. This opera delves into the trials of womanhood through personified nature characters, including the sun goddess Mara and the Moon who dedicate themselves to their cosmic role in the sky, supported by their loyal Tree guardians. The birth of a Star Baby brings fanciful disruptions of the day and night, as the story contemplates the duty of motherhood, human greed and the continuity of time. (USYD News)
Draguns has a particularly incredible understanding of writing for voice, utilising the solo and chorus voices available to her with incredible idiom translating beautifully in live dramatic performance. Her use of the chamber orchestra is also noteworthy, writing exceptionally intricate parts particularly within the piano, harp, percussion, strings and winds. Her orchestration is clearly within her command crafting bold glittering moments as if a full symphony orchestra were present, without ever abandoning the intricacies of the individual instruments within the chamber orchestra and allowing for stunningly intimate moments. Her detailed approach solidifies the stylistic purpose of the work, creating shimmering celestial soundscapes to transport audiences and surround them by their cosmic environment.
The self-described classical contemporary style of Aija Draguns is influenced by her Latvian heritage and the folklore and cartoons originating from her cultural roots. Her composition In Cosmic Utero is a colourful and engaging, but also unsettling fantasy inspired by two mythological deities Māra (mother earth) and Saule (guardian of the sky time) juxtaposing ideas of birth, loneliness, loss, and grief.
In Cosmic Utero is well exceeds its deservingness to be immortalised as a pillar of Australian Opera and an exemplar of contemporary chamber opera without question.
Nominee
Aija Draguns
Title of the work
In Cosmic Utero
Librettist(s) or source author(s)
Bianca Watkins
Performer
Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conducted by Aija Draguns
Performance Date
28/11/2024
Venue
NIDA Parade Theatre
Inspired by traditional Latvian folklore, whimsical drama In Cosmic Utero explores the collision between celestial mother nature and the mundane human world. This opera delves into the trials of womanhood through personified nature characters, including the sun goddess Mara and the Moon who dedicate themselves to their cosmic role in the sky, supported by their loyal Tree guardians. The birth of a Star Baby brings fanciful disruptions of the day and night, as the story contemplates the duty of motherhood, human greed and the continuity of time. (USYD News)
Draguns has a particularly incredible understanding of writing for voice, utilising the solo and chorus voices available to her with incredible idiom translating beautifully in live dramatic performance. Her use of the chamber orchestra is also noteworthy, writing exceptionally intricate parts particularly within the piano, harp, percussion, strings and winds. Her orchestration is clearly within her command crafting bold glittering moments as if a full symphony orchestra were present, without ever abandoning the intricacies of the individual instruments within the chamber orchestra and allowing for stunningly intimate moments. Her detailed approach solidifies the stylistic purpose of the work, creating shimmering celestial soundscapes to transport audiences and surround them by their cosmic environment.
The self-described classical contemporary style of Aija Draguns is influenced by her Latvian heritage and the folklore and cartoons originating from her cultural roots. Her composition In Cosmic Utero is a colourful and engaging, but also unsettling fantasy inspired by two mythological deities Māra (mother earth) and Saule (guardian of the sky time) juxtaposing ideas of birth, loneliness, loss, and grief.
In Cosmic Utero is well exceeds its deservingness to be immortalised as a pillar of Australian Opera and an exemplar of contemporary chamber opera without question.