Alexander Voltz - Stradella Suite

NOMINATION: Work of the Year - Chamber

NOMINATION: Work of the Year - Chamber

Chamber music is defined as works for between 1 and 12 players, with or without vocal parts, and with or without electronics 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

Alexander Voltz

Title of the work

Stradella Suite

Performer

Fisarmonica Amici

Performance Date

5/7/2024

Venue

ABC Classic

Nominator Statement
Alexander Voltzs Stradella Suite is a pioneering contribution to Australian art music, expanding the repertoire of the stradella piano accordion and redefining its role in contemporary art music. The six-movement work both challenges todays perceptions of the instrument and honours the Italian-Australian communitys impact on Australias musical heritage.
Despite its historical significance in Australia, the accordion is often overlooked in serious composition, especially the stradella instrument, which presents distinct harmonic constraints. Rather than avoiding these challenges, Stradella Suite embraces them, demonstrating how traditional elements can be transformed through modern compositional techniques. Each movement builds on the instruments strengths, combining accessible structures with fresh harmonic language.
The works cultural and artistic value positions it as an important new addition to Australian music. The suite is not just a composition but a statement on the evolving landscape of Australian art music, advocating for the recognition of an underrepresented yet culturally significant instrument.
Voltzs commitment to expanding the boundaries of Australian composition makes Stradella Suite a strong candidate for recognition at the APRA AMCOS Art Music Awards. It exemplifies innovation in instrumental music, engages deeply with Italian-Australian heritage, and makes a meaningful contribution to the diversity of Australian art music today.

Eligibility checklist

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