NOMINATION: Work of the Year - Large Ensemble
Large ensemble music is defined as works for more than 12 players, with or without vocal parts, and with or without electronics. This may include works for orchestra, concert band, wind band, string orchestra.
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.
This piece is a 45-minute suite composed of five movements for a large jazz ensemble (Big Band) and string quartet. Integrating a large jazz ensemble with a string quartet into a cohesive work is uncommon within the Australian jazz landscape, making this composition a seminal addition to the Australian jazz canon. Other notable composers in Australian history who have created crossover works in this area are few and far between, with the most recent and distinguished being Don Banks and Judy Bailey. I believe this work possesses equal substance and quality to the compositions of these jazz legends. Therefore, I contend that it is essential to recognise this piece as a key contributor and advancement in contemporary jazz composition.