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.
Art Music Award guidelines →
Nominee
Natalie Nicolas
Title of the work
Sweet Yellow
Performer
Matt Withers and Vatche Jambazian
Performance Date
10/7/2024
Venue
ACO studios Pier 2/3 - YouTube
Nominator Statement
"Sweet Yellow" is a captivating duet for guitar and piano, performed by Matt Withers and Vatche Jambazian, that weaves a beautiful tapestry of connection, calm, and emotional depth. Composed for the Hush Foundations album *Connected*, this piece reflects the profound bond between humans, harnessing the healing power of music to soothe the nervous system and foster a sense of unity. The piece is short, accessible, and designed to resonate with audiences from all walks of life, offering an invitation to pause, connect, and reflect.
Through its intimate interplay, "Sweet Yellow" strikes a delicate balance between simplicity and sophistication, pushing the boundaries of the guitar and piano duet format with fresh, nuanced textures and harmonic exploration. The seamless conversation between the instruments enhances the pieces emotional impact, creating a soothing, almost meditative atmosphere that speaks directly to the listeners heart.
Technically, the work showcases a masterful understanding of instrumentation, blending intricate yet accessible harmonies with rhythmic subtlety, allowing for a fluid exchange of musical ideas. The pieces effectiveness in a live setting is evident in its intimate yet expansive performance quality, drawing out both performers sensitivity and precision in their delivery.
"Sweet Yellow" speaks to a contemporary need for connection and emotional expression, offering an innovative yet accessible entry point into art music that resonates with our collective desire for calm and healing. It is a testament to the power of music to create lasting bonds, demonstrating both complexity and craftsmanship while remaining deeply relevant to the world today.
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDMZjlg11Ak
Nominee
Natalie Nicolas
Title of the work
Sweet Yellow
Performer
Matt Withers and Vatche Jambazian
Performance Date
10/7/2024
Venue
ACO studios Pier 2/3 - YouTube
Through its intimate interplay, "Sweet Yellow" strikes a delicate balance between simplicity and sophistication, pushing the boundaries of the guitar and piano duet format with fresh, nuanced textures and harmonic exploration. The seamless conversation between the instruments enhances the pieces emotional impact, creating a soothing, almost meditative atmosphere that speaks directly to the listeners heart.
Technically, the work showcases a masterful understanding of instrumentation, blending intricate yet accessible harmonies with rhythmic subtlety, allowing for a fluid exchange of musical ideas. The pieces effectiveness in a live setting is evident in its intimate yet expansive performance quality, drawing out both performers sensitivity and precision in their delivery.
"Sweet Yellow" speaks to a contemporary need for connection and emotional expression, offering an innovative yet accessible entry point into art music that resonates with our collective desire for calm and healing. It is a testament to the power of music to create lasting bonds, demonstrating both complexity and craftsmanship while remaining deeply relevant to the world today.
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDMZjlg11Ak