BY JOHN GLOVER
This week, we explore the innovations and opportunities made to take care of young performers, composers, and the resources in our industry.
…and GO!
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING, MARY JO AND CARL!
In huge (and hugely sad) news this week, Mary Jo Capps and Carl Vine AO step down from Musica Viva Australia. They bid farewell to almost 20 years in their respective roles, during which time they have contributed meaningfully to Australia’s music industry and ecosystem. Mary Jo has worked as CEO, and Carl Vine AO as Artistic Director, of Musica Viva. Of their time in this arts organisation, Chairman Charles Graham says: “Musica Viva has gone from strength to strength, thanks in no small part to the inspired leadership of Mary Jo and Carl. Indeed, they have played a pivotal role not only in our company’s ongoing success but also in shaping a strong and vibrant international arts sector”. Sad news indeed, but they’re not going just yet – it’ll be a gradual process over the next 18 months. We look forward to seeing what’s on the horizon for Musica Viva!
COMPOSERS – OVER HERE!
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Cybec 21st Century Composers’ Program has opened applications for 2018! Four young composers selected for the program receive mentoring from established Australian composers, as well as the opportunity to compose a 10-minute piece to be performed by the MSO. All budding composers – take note of this great program and get your applications in ASAP!
FUNDS ON OFFER
The APRA AMCOS Art Music Fund will be closing in three weeks time – EEEEEK! If that new work you’ve been planning is exciting, innovative and fresh, make sure to submit your application by February 20. There are grants on offer totalling $100,000 so there’s plenty to go around.
SOUND LIBRARIES MERGE
The ABC will be merging national Sound and Reference Libraries to a central library in Melbourne. Over the next few months, libraries in Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart will be closing down with many duplicate CDs being culled. It’s upsetting to hear, though the ABC has reassured us that they will continue to obtain new music and add to their building catalogue…learn more.
CALLING ALL DONATIONS!
A new piece for guitar and string quartet is in the works, and we need your help! Support guitarist Matt Withers, the Acacia Quartet and composer Richard Charlton as they fund the recording of this new work, with support for 30-second, 1- and 2-minute pledges receiving written acknowledgement on the score, CD and at the world premiere performance. Donations of any amount are welcome for this project, so help out if you can spare a dollar or two. Contact info@mattwithers.com.au for more.
NEW ONLINE LEARNING SYSTEM
The Australian Music Examinations Board have launched a new online system for their music exams! The AMEB boasts the system as a “world-first platform,” which will enable students to sit exams for Theory of Music, Musicianship and Music Craft grades in a more efficient manner, offering many benefits to musical studies.
Visit us again next week for your arts news headlines.
If you have news to share, why not get in touch? Editor@cutcommon.com.
Images supplied. Featured: Mary Jo Capps giving her University of Melbourne graduation address last year. Courtesy Musica Viva.
