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
Claire Edwardes, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra
Nominee email
edwardesclaire@icloud.com
Title of the work
Steeling Fire
Composer(s) of the work
Natalie Williams
Performance Date
2/6/2024
Venue
Melbourne Recital Centre
Nominator Statement
It goes without saying that Claire is a vital, unique force in Australian music. Not only is she one of the finest percussionists our country has ever produced, but her steadfast commitment to contemporary music, and amplification of underrepresented voices in the fieldparticularly womenis remarkable. This was all perfectly displayed in her performance of Natalie Williams' "Steeling Fire" with the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra in June. A percussion concerto written as homage to the pioneering Women of Steel from Port Kembala's steelworks, the work sees Claire turn a dazzling array of found percussion and vibraphone into a gripping musical journey. The piece itself is also a magnificent piece of writing, truly deserving a place in the contemporary canon, and many ongoing performances.
As I wrote for my Limelight review of the concert:
"Melodic vibraphone and unique untuned percussion lines were complemented perfectly by richly harmonic strings. Edwardes virtuosic and charismatic performance paired exquisitely with the cinematic, gripping string parts, at times echoing Samuel Barber, or perhaps even Howard Shores Lord of the Rings suite.
The second movement in particular allowed the strings to come to the fore, featuring outstanding solis from all section leaders, and a notably beautiful duet between Director-violinist Sophie Rowell and Edwardes, the latter playing a haunting, semi-tuned instrument called a waterphone.
This is a truly special work that demands a lasting place in our contemporary canon, brought to life by a unique treasure of Australias musical community, who was supported with finesse and talent from Melbourne Chamber Orchestra."
Nominee
Claire Edwardes, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra
Nominee email
edwardesclaire@icloud.com
Title of the work
Steeling Fire
Composer(s) of the work
Natalie Williams
Performance Date
2/6/2024
Venue
Melbourne Recital Centre
As I wrote for my Limelight review of the concert:
"Melodic vibraphone and unique untuned percussion lines were complemented perfectly by richly harmonic strings. Edwardes virtuosic and charismatic performance paired exquisitely with the cinematic, gripping string parts, at times echoing Samuel Barber, or perhaps even Howard Shores Lord of the Rings suite.
The second movement in particular allowed the strings to come to the fore, featuring outstanding solis from all section leaders, and a notably beautiful duet between Director-violinist Sophie Rowell and Edwardes, the latter playing a haunting, semi-tuned instrument called a waterphone.
This is a truly special work that demands a lasting place in our contemporary canon, brought to life by a unique treasure of Australias musical community, who was supported with finesse and talent from Melbourne Chamber Orchestra."