NOMINATION: Performance of the Year - Notated Composition
For the performance of a single Australian work, showcasing the performer(s)’ success in revealing the nature and intention of a composition with clear notated instructions for the performer. Works with significant improvisatory aspects should instead be submitted for Performance of the Year: Jazz / Improvised Music.
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 performance 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.
Art Music Award guidelines →
Nominee
Australian Youth Orchestra Momentum Ensemble
Nominee email
KimbaliHarding@ayo.com.au
Title of the work
A Mega Masquerade: ten dead species for sinfonietta
Composer(s) of the work
Nicholas Vines
Performance Date
21/4/2024
Venue
Ukaria Cultural Centre, 119 Williams Rd, Mount Barker Summit SA
Nominator Statement
The Australian Youth Orchestra Momentum Ensemble's performance of A Mega Masquerade: ten dead species for sinfonietta was seriously impressive. This was difficult new music, requiring not only a level of traditional virtuosity, but also a mastery of (more) contemporary techniques. From a table worth of trombone mutes, to integrated electronics, to the whole band playing rubber duckies with their feet, its challenges were tackled with enthusiasm and panache, strongly enhancing the impact of the performance. And of course, all this was in addition to the musicality and dynamism of vital young people who happen to be among the best orchestral musicians of their generation.
Considering the nature of the band, the assuredness of this performance was especially remarkable. The Momentum Ensemble is made up of early-career instrumentalists who only come together for a special project, having never played together before. What's more, exposure to new(er) music varies wildly, from moderate to non-existent: for the most part, A Mega Masquerade was these players' first 'hardcore' contemporary experience. To achieve what they did both musically and technically was thus quite amazing.
Finally, it was clear the ME players had great fun performing this work. Under the guidance of visiting maestro Christoph Altstaedt, they really brought these ten dead species to life!
Nominee
Australian Youth Orchestra Momentum Ensemble
Nominee email
KimbaliHarding@ayo.com.au
Title of the work
A Mega Masquerade: ten dead species for sinfonietta
Composer(s) of the work
Nicholas Vines
Performance Date
21/4/2024
Venue
Ukaria Cultural Centre, 119 Williams Rd, Mount Barker Summit SA
Considering the nature of the band, the assuredness of this performance was especially remarkable. The Momentum Ensemble is made up of early-career instrumentalists who only come together for a special project, having never played together before. What's more, exposure to new(er) music varies wildly, from moderate to non-existent: for the most part, A Mega Masquerade was these players' first 'hardcore' contemporary experience. To achieve what they did both musically and technically was thus quite amazing.
Finally, it was clear the ME players had great fun performing this work. Under the guidance of visiting maestro Christoph Altstaedt, they really brought these ten dead species to life!