APRA | AMCOS Art Music Awards 2012

Two works by Ross Edwards are finalists in the 2012 APRA | AMCOS Art Music Awards. The Art Music Awards are the only event that specifically acknowledges the achievements of Australia’s outstanding talent in the fields of contemporary art music, jazz and experimental music, with awards covering the best compositions, performances and achievements across 10 national categories.

Spirit Ground for violin and orchestra is a finalist for 2012 Work of the Year – Orchestral. The other finalists are Gardener of Time by Barry Conyngham, Missa Solis – Requiem for Eli by Nigel Westlake, and The Shining Island by Peter Sculthorpe. Spirit Ground was commissioned for the West Australian Symphony Orchestra by Geoff Stearn. The world premiere performance was conducted by Paul Daniel in the Perth Concert Hall on Friday 11 March 2011. Margaret Blades was the solo violinist.

Sacred Kingfisher Psalms is a finalist for 2012 Work of the Year – Vocal/Choral. The other finalists are Blackwood by Iain Grandage, Osanna Mass by Clare Maclean, and Pomegranate Friends by Gerardo Dirie. Sacred Kingfisher Psalms was co-commissioned by Ars Nova Copenhagen, the Edinburgh International Festival Society, The Song Company, and Father Arthur E. Bridge for Ars Musica Australis. The work was premiered by The Song Company, conducted by Roland Peelman, on 22 May 2010, at The Fitter’s Workshop, Canberra International Music Festival.

The winners of the 2012  APRA | AMCOS Art Music Awards will be presented at an awards ceremony, MCed by the Australian jazz trumpeter and multi-instrumentalist James Morrison, on Tuesday 3 April at the Playhouse Theatre, Sydney Opera House.