Natalie Nicolas - Honey

NOMINATION: Work of the Year - Chamber

NOMINATION: Work of the Year - Chamber

Chamber music is defined as works for between 1 and 12 players, with or without vocal parts, and with or without electronics 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

Natalie Nicolas

Title of the work

Honey

Performer

Matt Withers and Vatche Jambazian

Performance Date

10/7/2024

Venue

ACO studios Pier 2/3 - YouTube

Nominator Statement
Honey is an evocative duet for guitar and piano, performed by Matt Withers and Vatche Jambazian, inspired by the composers first dog, a Labrador, who taught profound lessons about connection to place, self, and others. Composed for the Hush Foundations Connected album, this piece offers a musical reflection on the bond between human and animal, and the quiet, enduring lessons that can emerge through love and companionship.

With an engaging simplicity and warmth, Honey captures the emotional depth of this relationship, exploring themes of loyalty, presence, and the quiet understanding shared between beings. The duet is both intimate and expansive, as the instruments communicate in a gentle, flowing dialogue, creating a soundscape that resonates with listeners on an emotional level. The works accessible nature ensures it speaks to audiences from all walks of life, offering a soothing, reflective experience.

Honey is a masterful exploration of harmony and rhythmic flow. The piece blends intricate, interwoven textures with moments of space, allowing for a reflective and meditative quality. The technical interplay between guitar and piano creates a sense of balance, with each performer navigating their roles with precision and sensitivity, translating the emotional essence of the work into a captivating live performance.

Honey speaks to the contemporary desire for connection and mindfulness, embodying themes of understanding, belonging, and the subtle yet profound impact of animal companionship. In its innovation and emotional resonance, it remains a poignant and relevant work, bridging the personal and the universal through the language of music.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xwmemekr3w

Eligibility checklist

Support Materials

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          Indigenous Content
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