James Ledger - The Last Thing

NOMINATION: Work of the Year - Large Ensemble

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

James Ledger

Title of the work

The Last Thing

Librettist(s) or source author(s)

Paula Meehan

Performer

Sara Macliver and WASO

Venue

Perth Concert Hall

Nominator Statement
The song-cycle The Last Thing is a substantial 25-minute work for orchestra and soprano by James Ledger with text by Irish poet, Paula Meehan. The three songs in the cycle ruminate on the passing of loved ones and accordingly, Ledgers score shifts between poignant restraint and ferocity. The music serves Meehans remarkable poetry, in turns profound and tormented, with imaginative handling of orchestral textures that range from delicate to saturated.

Reviews from the premiere given by Sara Macliver and WASO were all extremely positive and attest to the belief that the work is worthy of recognition at a national level.

Eligibility checklist

Support Materials

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          Indigenous Content
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