Australian Music Centre Announces MOMENTUM Commissions Recipients

The Australian Music Centre has announced that Christine Pan and Aaron Wyatt are the latest recipients of its MOMENTUM Commissions.

An initiative of the Australian Music Centre, the MOMENTUM Commissions aims to connect creators with private philanthropists and provide new opportunities for the creation of new music. The latest round of the Commissions, supported by Hendrik Prins, called for proposals for a solo or small ensemble work expressing a theme which resonates with the composer.

Two works were chosen from a competitive pool of submissions, based on a demonstration of technical capability, creative vision, and the authentic candour of their proposed works.

Christine Pan (NSW) will write a new work for solo bass clarinet, exploring bioacoustics and the impact of noise pollution on birdlife. Christine’s newly commissioned work will follow a growing portfolio of music that spans gaming, science, palliative care, film, and theatre.

Aaron Wyatt (VIC) will compose a new work for a chamber trio, exploring themes of reconciliation and Indigenous identity in light of the recent referendum defeat. As a person of Noongar, Yamatji, and Wongi heritage, Aaron’s work will interrogate what it means to be Australian in the modern era, and how Australia can confront the demons of our colonial past. Wyatt is also an accomplished violist and conductor.

As well as funding the composition of new music, this round of the MOMENTUM Commissions will also support a premiere performance for the two works, to be held in Melbourne in late 2024. Since its conception in 2020, the MOMENTUM Commissions has funded the creation of new works by Australian composers including Rae Howell, Anne Cawrse, Nicole Murphy, Elizabeth Younan, Reuben Lewis and Helen Svoboda.

Image credits: (L) Aaron Wyatt, Jessica Bader Photography/ Christine Pan, Ester Maria Photography.