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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.

Art Music Award guidelines →

Nominee

Graeme Koehne

Title of the work

Bittersweet Symphony

Performer

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

Performance Date

28/10/2024

Venue

Adelaide Town Hall

Nominator Statement

Graeme Koehnes Bittersweet Symphony stands as a remarkable contribution to contemporary Australian orchestral music, reaffirming his reputation as one of the countrys most distinguished and expressive composers. Premiered by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra in October 2024, this work encapsulates the depth of Koehnes compositional voiceat once lyrical, evocative, and deeply attuned to the emotional and structural possibilities of large ensemble writing.

True to its title, Bittersweet Symphony is a work of contrasts: lush, sweeping melodies give way to moments of striking intensity, while intricate harmonic interplay and orchestral color serve as the foundation for a richly textured and emotionally resonant journey. Koehnes gift for melody and orchestration is on full display, with every instrument given space to contribute to the works overarching narrativea quality that makes the piece as immersive as it is technically masterful.

A defining characteristic of Bittersweet Symphony is its ability to engage listeners on both an intellectual and visceral level. The work navigates between grandeur and intimacy, seamlessly shifting between moments of rhapsodic beauty and passages of driving momentum. Through its carefully woven motifs and dynamic structural pacing, the piece evokes a sense of nostalgia and forward motiona meditation on lifes fleeting yet profound emotional experiences.

Beyond its artistic merits, the premiere of Bittersweet Symphony represents an important milestone for Australian orchestral music. Koehnes ability to craft compositions that are both accessible and sophisticated has long contributed to the vitality of the Australian classical music landscape. This latest work continues that legacy, engaging audiences with a deeply humanistic approach to symphonic writing while pushing the boundaries of orchestral expression.

Nominee email confirmation

Eligibility checklist

Eligibility checklist (required)

The work has been made available to the public for the first time (i.e. by live or digital performance, video/audio broadcast, or commercial release) within the year prior to the Award.

The work has composed by an Australian citizen or by a composer who has permanent residence in Australia.

The work is only submitted in a single Work of the Year category.

I believe that my nomination in this category is eligible in accordance with the Art Music Award guidelines.

I permit APRA AMCOS and the Australian Music Centre, and any person APRA AMCOS or the Australian Music Centre authorises, to perform the entry in and as part of the Art Music Awards ceremony if deemed appropriate, and to record it for those purposes and for the purposes of communication to the public or promotional use. I agree to allow APRA AMCOS’ and the Australian Music Centre's use of audio and video in relation to the nomination package for the Art Music Awards for promotional purposes.

Support Materials

APRA AMCOS Registered Work GW Code

AMC Work Link (if you are an AMC Associate Artist or Represented Artist)

Audio/video recording

I will upload a file of a recording

I will provide a link to where the recording can be publicly accessed

MIDI realisations will not be accepted

Audio/video recording upload

Drag and drop files here or click to upload

Maximum file size: 8MB

Enter the URL where your recording can be accessed

The link must remain valid and publicly accessible until August

(Optional) Enter any password required to access the recording

Is the nominated performance over 10 mins in duration?

Yes

For performances over 10 minutes, a sample recording or showreel of less than 10 minutes duration is also required.

I will upload a separate sample/showreel recording

I will provide a link to a separate sample/showreel recording

I will provide a timecode which identifies where the sample can be found in the complete recording provided above

Where in the submitted score does this sample correspond to?

Sample/showreel recording

Drag and drop files here or click to upload

Maximum file size: 8MB

Sample/showreel - Enter the URL where your recording can be accessed

The link must remain valid and publicly accessible until August

Sample/showreel - (Optional) Enter any password required to access the recording

Timecode which identifies where the sample can be found.

Music score, performance instructions or lead sheets (in PDF file format)

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For works created without a score, lead sheet, or performance instructions, please submit a description of how the work is realised, structured, and/or constructed. Maximum file size: 8MB

Optional: Program note if not included in score

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Maximum file size: 8MB

Artist Statement (up to 1800 characters)

Please provide a statement regarding your nominated work (up to 1800 characters). This statement can clarify or re-articulate anything listed in the nomination statement.

Indigenous Content

Indigenous and Non-Indigenous nominees using Indigenous content (such as language, title, narratives, or themes) from outside of their own cultural groups must supply supporting documentation that they have consulted with the appropriate communities and have obtained their permissions to use their cultural content and intellectual property.

Does your nominated work/activity involve the use of Indigenous content (such as language, titles, narratives or themes)?

Yes

Are you using Indigenous content outside of your own cultural heritage?

Yes

Please describe the material being used and your connection to it

Upload evidence of consultation with the appropriate communities and permissions to use their cultural content and intellectul property

Drag and drop files here or click to upload

Maximum file size: 8MB

Required press materials

The following materials may be used for the Art Music Awards event and promotional purposes. These materials are not used for assessment by the judging panels.

High quality photo of the nominee

Drag and drop files here or click to upload

Maximum file size: 8MB

Photo Credit

Video/Audio Sample

Timecode which identifies your prefered 30 second sample can be found in the complete recording provided in the support materials

Social media links (optional)

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Instagram

Twitter

Graeme Koehne - Bittersweet Symphony

NOMINATION: Work of the Year - Large Ensemble

NOMINATION: Work of the Year - Large Ensemble

Nominee

Graeme Koehne

Title of the work

Bittersweet Symphony

Performer

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

Performance Date

28/10/2024

Venue

Adelaide Town Hall

Nominator Statement

Eligibility checklist

Support Materials

Indigenous Content

Required press materials

Social media links (optional)