Australian Music Centre Announces MOMENTUM Commission Recipients  

Connor D’Netto (Qld) and Maria Grenfell (Tas) are the recipients of The Australian Music Centre’s  MOMENTUM Commissions. Each composer receives $2,500 towards the commission of a proposed work.

Artists were called to propose a new work for a small chamber ensemble and voice, inspired by nature and the Australian environment. Connor D’Netto’s proposed work will explore the connections between the Australian environment and memories of home, recalling sounds of Australian wildlife and its role in the everyday soundscape. The piece will form a component of a larger song cycle for mezzo-soprano, piano, and guitar, reflecting on poetic notions and cultural inquiries of “home”.

Taking on an ecological approach, Maria Grenfell’s proposed work takes inspiration from a poem by Australian poet Dr Danielle Wood called “Disappearing”, which contemplates the controversial flooding of Tasmania’s Lake Pedder for a hydro-electric scheme. Addressing contemporary environmental issues in Australia, Maria’s work will be written for soprano, guitar, viola da gamba and percussion.