The Melbourne Recital Centre has awarded the July-December 2016 Contemporary Masters Award to the Melbourne Guitar Quartet.
The group, featuring Ben Dix, Dan McKay, Jeremy Tottenham, and Michael MacManus, received the accolade after performing an interpretation of Steve Reich’s Electric Counterpoint at the Salon in November.
The group states that the performance was one of its major projects for the year, which involved pre-recording nine tracks to be heard against four live parts in concert – effectively resulting in 13 guitars sounding at once. Judging was based on technique, intonation, musicianship, ensemble work, audience engagement, and complexity.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be awarded this prize for the second year running for our arrangement and performance of Electric Counterpoint by Steve Reich,” the MGQ says in a statement.
“We would like to give a huge thanks to the Melbourne Recital Centre and to one of Australia’s most distinguished pianists Stephen McIntyre AM for making the Contemporary Masters Award possible.”
The news comes in time to celebrate the 80th birthday of Steve Reich.
Congratulations, MGQ!
Image supplied.
