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
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Nominee email
rossg@mso.com.au
Title of the work
Hidden Thoughts III: Stories of Awe
Composer(s) of the work
Katy Abbott
Librettist(s) or source author(s)
Katy Abbott with Maureen Johnson
Performance Date
9/8/2024
Venue
Hamer Hall
Nominator Statement
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's premiere performance of Katy Abbott's "Hidden Thoughts III: Stories of Awe" stands out as a truly exceptional and transformative musical experience that is highly deserving of the Performance of the Year accolade. This groundbreaking work, expertly conducted by Benjamin Northey and featuring the talents of vocalists Pamela Rabe, Sunny Kim, and Andrew O'Connor, captivated audiences with its innovative exploration of the concept of awe in our everyday lives.
Abbott's composition is a masterful blend of orchestral and vocal elements that creates a rich tapestry of sound, expertly bringing to life the myriad ways in which we experience awe in our daily existence. The MSO's rendition of this piece was nothing short of phenomenal, demonstrating an extraordinary level of musicianship and interpretive skill that elevated the work to new heights.
One of the most striking aspects of this performance was the seamless integration of the orchestra and vocalists. The MSO, under Northey's expert direction, created a sonic landscape that perfectly complemented and enhanced the vocal performances. The result was a cohesive and immersive experience that transported the audience into the heart of Abbott's musical vision.
The level of technical proficiency displayed by the orchestra was truly remarkable. Despite being a premiere performance, the musicians played with a confidence and familiarity that made it seem as though they had been performing this piece for years. The intricate rhythms, complex harmonies, and subtle dynamic shifts were executed with precision and grace, creating a sound world that was both captivating and emotionally resonant.
The vocalists brought an additional layer of depth and emotion to the performance. Pamela Rabe, Sunny Kim, and Andrew O'Connor each brought their unique vocal qualities to the piece, creating a diverse and compelling narrative that perfectly complemented Abbott's musical storytelling. Their performances were characterized by both technical excellence and profound emotional expressiveness, adding a human element to the orchestral textures that was both powerful and moving.
What sets this performance apart is its ability to create a profound sense of connection between the music, the performers, and the audience. Abbott's exploration of awe in everyday life resonated deeply with listeners, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences and perceptions of wonder in the world around them. The MSO's interpretation brought this concept to life in a way that was both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging.
The performance also demonstrated a remarkable balance between innovation and accessibility. While pushing the boundaries of contemporary classical music, the piece remained approachable and engaging for a wide range of listeners. This ability to bridge the gap between avant-garde composition and popular appeal is a testament to both Abbott's compositional skill and the MSO's interpretive abilities.
In conclusion, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's performance of Katy Abbott's "Hidden Thoughts III: Stories of Awe"
Nominee
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Nominee email
rossg@mso.com.au
Title of the work
Hidden Thoughts III: Stories of Awe
Composer(s) of the work
Katy Abbott
Librettist(s) or source author(s)
Katy Abbott with Maureen Johnson
Performance Date
9/8/2024
Venue
Hamer Hall
Abbott's composition is a masterful blend of orchestral and vocal elements that creates a rich tapestry of sound, expertly bringing to life the myriad ways in which we experience awe in our daily existence. The MSO's rendition of this piece was nothing short of phenomenal, demonstrating an extraordinary level of musicianship and interpretive skill that elevated the work to new heights.
One of the most striking aspects of this performance was the seamless integration of the orchestra and vocalists. The MSO, under Northey's expert direction, created a sonic landscape that perfectly complemented and enhanced the vocal performances. The result was a cohesive and immersive experience that transported the audience into the heart of Abbott's musical vision.
The level of technical proficiency displayed by the orchestra was truly remarkable. Despite being a premiere performance, the musicians played with a confidence and familiarity that made it seem as though they had been performing this piece for years. The intricate rhythms, complex harmonies, and subtle dynamic shifts were executed with precision and grace, creating a sound world that was both captivating and emotionally resonant.
The vocalists brought an additional layer of depth and emotion to the performance. Pamela Rabe, Sunny Kim, and Andrew O'Connor each brought their unique vocal qualities to the piece, creating a diverse and compelling narrative that perfectly complemented Abbott's musical storytelling. Their performances were characterized by both technical excellence and profound emotional expressiveness, adding a human element to the orchestral textures that was both powerful and moving.
What sets this performance apart is its ability to create a profound sense of connection between the music, the performers, and the audience. Abbott's exploration of awe in everyday life resonated deeply with listeners, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences and perceptions of wonder in the world around them. The MSO's interpretation brought this concept to life in a way that was both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging.
The performance also demonstrated a remarkable balance between innovation and accessibility. While pushing the boundaries of contemporary classical music, the piece remained approachable and engaging for a wide range of listeners. This ability to bridge the gap between avant-garde composition and popular appeal is a testament to both Abbott's compositional skill and the MSO's interpretive abilities.
In conclusion, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's performance of Katy Abbott's "Hidden Thoughts III: Stories of Awe"