NOMINATION: Work of the Year - Choral
Choral works are defined as accompanied or unaccompanied works for massed voices (more than 1 singer per part).
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.
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Nominee
Katie Noonan and Andrew OConnor
Title of the work
An Instrument of Peace
Librettist(s) or source author(s)
Saint Francis of Assisi (Prayer of St. Francis) and Agnus Dei chant
Performer
ChorusOZ - Sydney Philharmonia Choirs
Performance Date
9/6/2024
Venue
Sydney Opera House, 9 June 2024, as part of the Sydney Philharmonias Chorus OZ project
Nominator Statement
"An Instrument of Peace", composed by Katie Noonan and Andrew OConnor, is a meditative
work that combines the words of Saint Francis of Assisi with the Agnus Dei chant. Presented at
the iconic Sydney Opera House by the Sydney Philharmonias Chorus OZ on the 9 June 2024.
Commissioned as part of the Sydney Philharmonias Mass for Peace project, "An Instrument of
Peace" draws inspiration from Katie Noonans reflection on the global tragedies of recent years.
Given the thematic focus of the performance, Noonan chose the Prayer of St. Francis for its
universal message of peace, kindness, and love. Initially conceived as a meditation on peace
for the choir and musicians, the work turned into a profoundly personal reflection for Katie,
ultimately becoming a tribute to her late father, Brian Noonan.
The structure of "An Instrument of Peace" reflects its dual authorship. The opening section,
composed by Katie Noonan, features the four voices of the Australian Vocal Ensemble (AVÉ) in
an intimate, a cappella setting. In contrast, the second section introduces the Agnus Dei from
the Latin mass, weaving the traditional Gregorian chant associated with these words into a
modern choral setting. Drawing on his extensive experience with leading choirs and vocal
ensembles such as The Song Company, AVÉ and VOCES8, Andrew OConnor's deep
understanding of traditional and contemporary choral and vocal techniques is evident in his
compositional work. His approach brings a sophisticated texture to the work, integrating the
choral parts in an attainable way for the community choirs. The transition between the sections
is handled with a skilful touch, moving from the intimate to the collective, guiding the listener
from private reflection to a shared plea for peace.
The premiere of "An Instrument of Peace" at the Sydney Opera House featured 1,000 choristers,
creating a powerful choral experience. The performance was live-streamed on ABC and was
available for delayed broadcast. The work's accessibility is evident by its upcoming inclusion in
future choral programs (yet to be announced in 2025), demonstrating its potential for
collaborative performance opportunities and repeat performances. Composed to showcase the
four vocalists of AVÉ alongside a massed choir, the piece is particularly well-suited for both
professional and community choirs. Its deserving of recognition for its ability to have a long
performance life beyond the initial premiere performance and is already beginning to do so.
Nominee
Katie Noonan and Andrew OConnor
Title of the work
An Instrument of Peace
Librettist(s) or source author(s)
Saint Francis of Assisi (Prayer of St. Francis) and Agnus Dei chant
Performer
ChorusOZ - Sydney Philharmonia Choirs
Performance Date
9/6/2024
Venue
Sydney Opera House, 9 June 2024, as part of the Sydney Philharmonias Chorus OZ project
work that combines the words of Saint Francis of Assisi with the Agnus Dei chant. Presented at
the iconic Sydney Opera House by the Sydney Philharmonias Chorus OZ on the 9 June 2024.
Commissioned as part of the Sydney Philharmonias Mass for Peace project, "An Instrument of
Peace" draws inspiration from Katie Noonans reflection on the global tragedies of recent years.
Given the thematic focus of the performance, Noonan chose the Prayer of St. Francis for its
universal message of peace, kindness, and love. Initially conceived as a meditation on peace
for the choir and musicians, the work turned into a profoundly personal reflection for Katie,
ultimately becoming a tribute to her late father, Brian Noonan.
The structure of "An Instrument of Peace" reflects its dual authorship. The opening section,
composed by Katie Noonan, features the four voices of the Australian Vocal Ensemble (AVÉ) in
an intimate, a cappella setting. In contrast, the second section introduces the Agnus Dei from
the Latin mass, weaving the traditional Gregorian chant associated with these words into a
modern choral setting. Drawing on his extensive experience with leading choirs and vocal
ensembles such as The Song Company, AVÉ and VOCES8, Andrew OConnor's deep
understanding of traditional and contemporary choral and vocal techniques is evident in his
compositional work. His approach brings a sophisticated texture to the work, integrating the
choral parts in an attainable way for the community choirs. The transition between the sections
is handled with a skilful touch, moving from the intimate to the collective, guiding the listener
from private reflection to a shared plea for peace.
The premiere of "An Instrument of Peace" at the Sydney Opera House featured 1,000 choristers,
creating a powerful choral experience. The performance was live-streamed on ABC and was
available for delayed broadcast. The work's accessibility is evident by its upcoming inclusion in
future choral programs (yet to be announced in 2025), demonstrating its potential for
collaborative performance opportunities and repeat performances. Composed to showcase the
four vocalists of AVÉ alongside a massed choir, the piece is particularly well-suited for both
professional and community choirs. Its deserving of recognition for its ability to have a long
performance life beyond the initial premiere performance and is already beginning to do so.