NOMINATION: Luminary - State and Territory
The Luminary Awards seek to honour individuals and organisations who, through sustained contribution (demonstrated over a period 3-5 years prior), have impacted their communities on a state or territory level through visionary leadership, fearless trailblazing, high-level artistic practice, and championing of Australian repertoire.
Nominations for individuals should demonstrate a program of activities or a range of projects rather than (for example) the recording and release of a single album. Nominations for a single work or project should be made in the Work of the Year or Excellence categories.
If you believe you are 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
The Song Company
Nominated Project/Activity
2024 Activities Celebrating 40th Anniversary
State/Territory
New South Wales
Nominator Statement
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, The Song Company has been a trailblazer in Australian chamber vocal music. Over the past five years, the organisation has undergone a transformative evolution, shifting to a singer-led model under the visionary leadership of Co-Artistic Directors Amy Moore and Jessica ODonoghue. This bold transition has reinvigorated the company, fostering artistic excellence and expanding its impact on the national music landscape.
A driving force in the promotion and performance of Australian repertoire, The Song Company has commissioned, premiered, and performed more than 25 new works since 2020, with over 50% composed by women. The company continues to redefine the possibilities of vocal chamber music, collaborating with leading Australian artists such as Jack Symonds, Jane Sheldon, and Chris Watson to present performances of the highest calibre.
Notable recent projects include the world premiere of Ross Edwards' 'Vespers for Mother Earth', presented in collaboration with my group Ensemble Offspring and Roland Peelman for the companys 40th Anniversary Gala at City Recital Hall. This landmark event was coupled with an all-Australian program showcasing works by Andrew Ford, Alice Chance, Sonya Holowell, Peter Sculthorpe, and Katie Abbott, reflecting the organisations long history of commissioning and championing Australian composers. Other standout performances include 'Songs of Rosa Mystica', directed by Jack Symonds, which featured the world premiere of Symonds 'Fire Featuring Heaven' alongside works by Elliott Gyger, Britten, and Saariaho, and 'Superbloom', directed by Jane Sheldon, premiering Sheldons 'Flowermuscle' in a program featuring Hildegard, Whiticker, Balch, and Saunders, which I attended and was blown away by.
Beyond performance, The Song Company continues to expand its reach through education, mentorship, and collaborations, cementing its role as a pillar of Australias vocal music ecosystem. With a fearless dedication to innovation, diversity, and artistic excellence, The Song Company exemplifies the spirit of the Art Music Luminary Award and they are a deserving recipient of this prestigious recognition.
Nominee
The Song Company
Nominated Project/Activity
2024 Activities Celebrating 40th Anniversary
State/Territory
New South Wales
A driving force in the promotion and performance of Australian repertoire, The Song Company has commissioned, premiered, and performed more than 25 new works since 2020, with over 50% composed by women. The company continues to redefine the possibilities of vocal chamber music, collaborating with leading Australian artists such as Jack Symonds, Jane Sheldon, and Chris Watson to present performances of the highest calibre.
Notable recent projects include the world premiere of Ross Edwards' 'Vespers for Mother Earth', presented in collaboration with my group Ensemble Offspring and Roland Peelman for the companys 40th Anniversary Gala at City Recital Hall. This landmark event was coupled with an all-Australian program showcasing works by Andrew Ford, Alice Chance, Sonya Holowell, Peter Sculthorpe, and Katie Abbott, reflecting the organisations long history of commissioning and championing Australian composers. Other standout performances include 'Songs of Rosa Mystica', directed by Jack Symonds, which featured the world premiere of Symonds 'Fire Featuring Heaven' alongside works by Elliott Gyger, Britten, and Saariaho, and 'Superbloom', directed by Jane Sheldon, premiering Sheldons 'Flowermuscle' in a program featuring Hildegard, Whiticker, Balch, and Saunders, which I attended and was blown away by.
Beyond performance, The Song Company continues to expand its reach through education, mentorship, and collaborations, cementing its role as a pillar of Australias vocal music ecosystem. With a fearless dedication to innovation, diversity, and artistic excellence, The Song Company exemplifies the spirit of the Art Music Luminary Award and they are a deserving recipient of this prestigious recognition.