Willoughby Symphony Orchestra presents Dedications
Celebrate musical dedications with Associate Conductor Dr Sarah Penicka-Smith. Hear our beloved Concertmaster Maria Lindsay perform Alla Pavlova’s lush Monolog – written as a tribute to Pavlova’s violinist father – alongside a dazzling performance of Australian jazz legend Tommy Tycho’s Violin Concerto, dedicated to Lindsay herself. This exciting concert on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May opens with Béla Bartok’s passionate Romanian Folk Dances and comes to a riveting close with Antonín Dvořák’s epic Hero’s Song.
The YOUNG COMPOSER AWARD 2023 recipient is Klearhos Murphy whose new work will be performed by Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and Choir. When Klearhos was told of his award he said “To be given the opportunity to write original music, and have it performed by such an accomplished orchestra and choir, is truly the opportunity of a lifetime. Willoughby Symphony has consistently been a beacon for young Australian composers through their generous award program, and I am forever grateful and uncontrollably excited to work with them and to have my music premiered by them.”
The Young Composer Award is an annual national competition providing young Australian composers the rare opportunity to compose for a full orchestra then have their new work performed, and recorded live, by the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra.
Now in its 19th year this prestigious award is the only one of its kind. The award is hosted by Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and the orchestra gratefully acknowledges benefactor Mark Wakely’s generous support of the award in memory of Steven Alward. The award has become a springboard for a generation of composers. In addition to prize money, the recipient gains valuable experience and contacts refining their original score alongside a respected conductor and accomplished orchestra.
