NOMINATION: Excellence in a Regional Area
For activity undertaken in a regional area, utilising Australian repertoire to create a positive impact for the local community. A regional area is defined as Australian areas outside of capital cities.
If you believe you are 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.
Art Music Award guidelines →
Nominee
Arafura Music Collective
Nominated Project/Activity
Kaleidoscope- The Music of LGBTIQA+ Composers - Artistic Director Ben Opie -Arafura Music Collective
Nominator Statement
I had the privilege of attending Kaleidoscope, an extraordinary performance by Arafura Music Collective in June 2024. As part of the Sugarbag Festival, this event was more than just a concertit was a deeply moving and transformative experience that celebrated diversity, inclusivity, and contemporary Australian music. Held at Gray Community Hall in Palmerston City, NT, Kaleidoscope combined music, and storytelling in a way that left a profound impact on the audience.
At the heart of this performance was the visionary leadership of Ben Opie. His artistic direction and ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles and narratives made Kaleidoscope an unforgettable experience. Alongside Claire Kilgariff, Opie crafted an event that provided a vital platform for LGBTQI+ voices, fostering both cultural enrichment and social connection.
Kaleidoscope was dedicated to showcasing Australian music. The program featured works by leading LGBTQI+ composers, including Caerwen Martin, Robert McIntyre, Cheryl Durongpisitkul, and Felicity Wilcox. Darwin-based Indie singer-songwriter Alice Cotton added a deeply personal and local touch with her evocative songs.
A standout moment was the breathtaking improvisations led by Ben Opie. These newly created works, intertwined with the spoken-word performances of the stories of local queer community members, explored themes of identity and belonging. Through these compositions the voices of underrepresented communities were amplified and the importance of local storytelling through music was reinforced.
The performances attracted an audience that reflected the diversity of the communitylongtime classical music lovers, first-time concertgoers, young people, and elders. The welcoming and accessible nature of the event ensured that everyone, regardless of background, could engage with and appreciate the music.
Kaleidoscope sparked conversations and connections. By centering LGBTQI+ narratives, it provided validation and visibility for queer voices in the NT, reinforcing the power of music as a means of social change. The warmth and emotional depth of the event left an indelible mark on those who attended.
Arafura Music Collective continues to push artistic boundaries while maintaining a strong connection to its audience. Under Ben Opies masterful leadership, Kaleidoscope was a striking fusion of contemporary art music and storytelling, where each piece reflected a spectrum of emotions, colours, and lived experiences. The events title itself symbolised the dynamic, multifaceted nature of identity and artistic expression.
By blending classical, contemporary, and indie-folk influences, Arafura Music Collective showcased not only their musical excellence but also their ability to innovate. Opies direction brought a fresh and compelling experience of Australian chamber music to Top End audiences, setting a new benchmark for regional arts events.
Kaleidoscope was a landmark event, demonstrating innovation in bringing Australian music to regional communities. For its outstanding contribution to regional music-making and its dedication to amplifying the music of Australian composers, Kaleidoscope is a deserving recipient of the Award for Excellence in a Regional Area.
Nominee
Arafura Music Collective
Nominated Project/Activity
Kaleidoscope- The Music of LGBTIQA+ Composers - Artistic Director Ben Opie -Arafura Music Collective
At the heart of this performance was the visionary leadership of Ben Opie. His artistic direction and ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles and narratives made Kaleidoscope an unforgettable experience. Alongside Claire Kilgariff, Opie crafted an event that provided a vital platform for LGBTQI+ voices, fostering both cultural enrichment and social connection.
Kaleidoscope was dedicated to showcasing Australian music. The program featured works by leading LGBTQI+ composers, including Caerwen Martin, Robert McIntyre, Cheryl Durongpisitkul, and Felicity Wilcox. Darwin-based Indie singer-songwriter Alice Cotton added a deeply personal and local touch with her evocative songs.
A standout moment was the breathtaking improvisations led by Ben Opie. These newly created works, intertwined with the spoken-word performances of the stories of local queer community members, explored themes of identity and belonging. Through these compositions the voices of underrepresented communities were amplified and the importance of local storytelling through music was reinforced.
The performances attracted an audience that reflected the diversity of the communitylongtime classical music lovers, first-time concertgoers, young people, and elders. The welcoming and accessible nature of the event ensured that everyone, regardless of background, could engage with and appreciate the music.
Kaleidoscope sparked conversations and connections. By centering LGBTQI+ narratives, it provided validation and visibility for queer voices in the NT, reinforcing the power of music as a means of social change. The warmth and emotional depth of the event left an indelible mark on those who attended.
Arafura Music Collective continues to push artistic boundaries while maintaining a strong connection to its audience. Under Ben Opies masterful leadership, Kaleidoscope was a striking fusion of contemporary art music and storytelling, where each piece reflected a spectrum of emotions, colours, and lived experiences. The events title itself symbolised the dynamic, multifaceted nature of identity and artistic expression.
By blending classical, contemporary, and indie-folk influences, Arafura Music Collective showcased not only their musical excellence but also their ability to innovate. Opies direction brought a fresh and compelling experience of Australian chamber music to Top End audiences, setting a new benchmark for regional arts events.
Kaleidoscope was a landmark event, demonstrating innovation in bringing Australian music to regional communities. For its outstanding contribution to regional music-making and its dedication to amplifying the music of Australian composers, Kaleidoscope is a deserving recipient of the Award for Excellence in a Regional Area.