Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM)

21/11/2023

🎶 Embark on a Musical Odyssey with George Crumb's ‘Black Angels’

Featuring in The Innovative Spirit of George Crumb, ‘Black Angels’ is a sonic journey that transcends musical conventions. Composed in 1970 during the Vietnam War era, this composition is an ode to the darkness of war and a reflection of the human spirit.

🎶 The unconventional instrumentation, featuring electric string instruments, crystal glasses, and suspended tam-tam gongs, creates an otherworldly soundscape that resonates with the soul.

🎶The haunting movements are divided into three groups - Departure, Absence, and Return. From the symbolic "Night of the Electric Insects" to the mesmerising "God-music" and "Devil-music," each movement is a musical exploration of the human experience.

🎶 Black Angels alludes to a poignant quote from Schubert's "Death and the Maiden" quartet, adding layers of meaning to this profound composition. The structure, with its arch-like design, mirrors the voyage of the soul through Departure, Absence, and Return.

🎟️ Listen to this powerful piece performed by ANAM musicians at The Innovative Spirit of George Crumb, Thurs 23 – Sat 25 November, Rosina Auditorium, Abbotsford Convent

20/11/2023

With preparations well underway for this week's celebration of the incredible composer George Crumb, ANAM's Artistic Director, Paavali Jumppanen spoke with 3CR Community Radio about the amazing performances at this weekend's ANAM festival, The Innovative Spirit of George Crumb.

Listen today: https://www.3cr.org.au/sites/default/files/show/user357/Paavali%20Jumpannen%20George%20Crumb%20Festival.mp3

20/11/2023

Join us for a musical exploration honouring the legacy of George Crumb in our end of year chamber music festival!

Thurs 23 – Sat 25 November
Rosina Auditorium, Abbotsford Convent

Coming up here at the Abbotsford Convent, the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) presents its 2023 Chamber Music Festival, which pays tribute to one of music’s most original innovators, American George Crumb.

The works of this trailblazer are presented against a selection of some of contemporary music’s current leaders, such as Jennifer Higdon, Osvaldo Golijov, Ross Edwards, and more across four concerts 23-25 November.

For more details and bookings, visit: https://anam.com.au/

20/11/2023

ANAM is thrilled to announce Mee Na Lojewski (cello, 2015) and Katie Yap (viola, 2014) will be the two inaugural recipients of ANAM’s Ian Potter Emerging Performers Fellowship.

This Fellowship is made possible with the support of The Ian Potter Cultural Trust.

Each of the Fellowships are valued at $50,000 each year for two years. The fellowship's are awarded to ANAM alum who display a commitment to establishing an independent performance practice.

Two Fellowships will be awarded each year between 2024 and 2028 to two ANAM alumni. Fellows selected will have achieved a high skill level in their chosen instrument and demonstrated vision and resilience along with a desire to further grow and contribute to Australia's cultural life. The Fellowships are not attached to specific activities, budgets or outcomes and are essentially untied funds to allow recipients to 'go and be an artist – we trust you to undertake meaningful work’.

📸 (L) Mee Na Lojewski (photo by Benjamin Ealovega) | (R) Katie Yap (photo by Grant Leslie)

18/11/2023

ANAM alumni and 2022 Freedman Fellow, Katie Yap presents her Freedman project, 'Multitudes' Residency IV: Night Herons.

Katie has created four new works through collaborative composition with partners in crime Emily Sheppard (fiddle/voice), Donald Nicolson (harpsichord/electronics), Bowerbird Collective (violin and cello), and Mindy Meng Wang (guzheng), exploring themes of cultural identity, environmental storytelling and activism, and the physical joy of music-making.

Tickets $30 / $20
Fri 24 Nov 8.00 – 9.30pm | Tempo Rubato

Book Now: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1083150

17/11/2023

As part of the Syndicate Program, donors support musicians, following their journey during their time at ANAM.

We love to share our music with these incredible supporters, especially at home soirees during the year. Thanks once again to Syndicate donor, Faye Goldsmith for opening her home to host the last soiree for the year! Viola Day was an absolute joy, celebrating a great year of music-making and all the wonderful donors who generously support our musicians. We could not do it without you - thank you!

To learn more about giving at ANAM or supporting a musician through the ANAM Syndicate Program, contact Sylvia Hosking at [email protected]

16/11/2023

Last week ANAM musicians travelled to Auckland to perform with the Auckland Philharmonia. Amidst the musical magic, they seized the chance to discover the city! 🎶🏞️

Photos by Isabella Thomas (trumpet, NZ)

16/11/2023

Unlock the musical journey of Pulitzer award-winning composer Jennifer Higdon as she shares insights into her studies with the legendary George Crumb. 🎶

Watch the interview to hear her speak about accessibility as a form of artistic communication, holding the attention of diverse audiences and being mentored by George Crumb.

You can hear Jennifer Higdon's work 'Quiet Art' at the first performance of The Innovative Spirit of George Crumb, presented by ANAM 23 November, 7pm

If ever there was a spokesperson who could clearly describe what this field is to folks who are not a part of it and get them excited to learn more about it,...

16/11/2023

Mostly Mozart is back for 2024!

Embark on a celebration of Mozart's brilliance, his contemporaries, and musical successors at Mostly Mozart 2024 at Melbourne Recital Centre.

Immerse yourself in classical masterpieces performed by ANAM musicians and special guests. Plus, enjoy coffee plus sweet and savoury treats while catching up with friends.

Book Now: https://anam.com.au/whats-on/events?type=mostlymozart&utm_source=ANAM+Social+media&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=Season+2024+-+Mostly+Mozart

15/11/2023

Experience a spellbinding performance as the Partridge String Quartet, featuring three ANAM alumni, takes you through George Crumb's 'Black Angels, 7. Threnody II.'

You can hear this remarkable work next week Fri 24 November, in the ANAM Chamber Music Festival, The Innovative Spirit of George Crumb at Abbotsford Convent.

Partridge String Quartet presents their 2022 FutureMakers collaboration with Musica Viva Australia, playing selections of George Crumb's Black Angels.

15/11/2023

Be sure to tune into 3MBS Melbourne 103.5FM at 6pm to hear our guest violinist, the amazing Anthony Marwood, talk about the upcoming Mostly Mozart concert tomorrow at Melbourne Recital Centre at 11am.

For tickets and further information head to https://anam.com.au/whats-on/events/mostly-mozart-legacy

Doug Beecroft sat down with virtuoso violinist Anthony Marwood this morning to talk about his performance at Melbourne Recital Centre tomorrow morning with musicians from the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM). Their interview will be broadcast tonight during Intermezzo at 6pm.

Anthony will perform with and direct musicians from ANAM in a program of revered Mozart and enchanting Schumann as part of Melbourne Recital Centre's Mostly Mozart series. The program features Schumann’s Piano Quartet in E flat and Mozart’s Symphony No.41 in C, ‘Jupiter’ and will be preceded by a complimentary morning tea in the MRC foyer.

To book tickets to tomorrow's visit: https://tinyurl.com/28zjvbax

And to hear more about the concert, tune in to Intermezzo tonight at 6pm.

______
Interview with Anthony Marwood
Intermezzo
Wednesday 15 November, 6pm

15/11/2023

Dive into our curated Spotify playlist featuring the iconic works of George Crumb, his students and composers influential on Crumb who will be featured in ANAM’s end of year Chamber Music Festival, The Innovative Spirit of George Crumb, presented by ANAM.

Listen now: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/08MkEK4yKgdnT8KNEfjRzD

15/11/2023

ANAM first-year, Joshua Jones (cello, QLD) has won top place in the prestigious TSO ANAM Concerto Competition final. Joshua reveals in CutCommon how meaningful this award is to him and how his ANAM training prepared him for this life-changing achievement.

Congratulations to all the finalists!

14/11/2023

Learn about the life, genius, and profound influence of George Crumb, the trailblazing American composer in our recent blog post. Uncover the stories behind Crumb's iconic compositions, his unique artistic vision, and the lasting impact he's had on the world of music.

Born in 1929, the renowned American composer George Crumb passed away in February 2022. Described by the Los Angeles Times as “the heartbeat of America,” ANAM is delighted to be highlighting this fascinating and highly individual composer at our end of year chamber music festival, The Innovative...

11/11/2023

The New Zealand Herald Premier Series: Mahler 5

Conductor - Giordano Bellincampi

Wagner - Rienzi: Overture
Wagner - Tristan und Isolde: Prelude and Liebestod
Mahler - Symphony No.5

Audio courtesy of RNZ Concert
Video and livestream produced by JX Live

10/11/2023

Best of luck to our musicians who are currently rehearsing with the Auckland Philharmonia ahead of a thrilling performance of Mahler No. 5 tomorrow night!

🎥 Watch the livestream here: https://www.apo.co.nz/livestreams/

10/11/2023

📣 MUSICIAN COORDINATOR APPLICATIONS CLOSE SUN 12 NOV 11.59PM 📣

Come along and join the amazing team at ANAM supporting the next generation of classical musicians!

We're looking for a Musician Coordinator who is motivated and energised by music to have responsibility for monitoring the musician experience of ANAM’s cohort. This entails facilitating, supporting and documenting musicians’ engagement with ANAM’s training pathways to ensure that agreed learning outcomes are realised.

🖊 Apply on the ANAM website: anam.com.au/about/positions-vacant
📸 Pia Johnson

09/11/2023

Explore the magic that music can ignite within our imaginations in Laura Cliff's (NSW, flute) recital!

"This recital will transport the audience to a land of Fairytales and mythologies, exploring the magic that music can ignite within our imaginations.

I have always gravitated toward programme music which involves painting a picture in the listener’s mind, particularly music with a storyline behind it. My favourite part of preparing a new work is discovering the purpose of a piece and the story it tells. Whether it is a set narrative, the historical context of the piece, or learning the composer’s intent; each inform and inspire me to develop my own interpretation of the piece to share with my audience.

In this recital, I am excited to explore the stories told in a vast array of pieces which range from the conventional through to those that challenge the outer edges of music."

Wed 22 Nov 2023, 11 AM | Abbotsford Convent
Book now: anam.com.au/whats-on/events/anam-recital-laura-cliff

09/11/2023

📣 ANAM BASSOONIST APPLICATIONS CLOSE THIS FRIDAY 10 NOV 11.59PM 📣

ANAM is looking for bassoonists from Australia and New Zealand who are ready to take the next step in their performance training.

Studying at ANAM provides immense opportunity to pursue your personal goals, curate your own programs and to engage with music making of the highest calibre in performance.

Applicants of all backgrounds are encouraged to audition.

⭐️ Applications close: 11.59pm AEDT Friday 10 November 2023 (with recordings due by Monday 20 November)
⭐️ Learn more: anam.com.au/applynow

08/11/2023

Legendary violinist, Anthony Marwood performs and directs ANAM musicians in a hypnotic program of Mozart and Schumann — continuing his longstanding relationship with ANAM.

Thu 16 Nov 2023, 11 AM | Melbourne Recital Centre
Book now: anam.com.au/whats-on/events/mostly-mozart-legacy

Watch online via Australian Digital Concert Hall where all digital tickets sales contribute to ANAM’s Musician Fund which supports our musicians.

07/11/2023

Enjoy the works of Beethoven and Bruch in a curated concert presented by ANAM musicians, Tasman Compton, Clare Fox and Reuben Johnson!

Wed 15 Nov 2023, 11 AM |Abbotsford Convent
Book Now: anam.com.au/whats-on/events/soundbite-5

06/11/2023

ANAM musicians join Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to perform Scheherazade, one of Rimsky-Korsakov's most popular works, led by acclaimed conductor Jaime Martin.

Martín will lead an orchestra to reveal magical scenes, in a work that has influenced artists throughout history. This one-hour program of Rimsky-Korsakov's breathtaking symphonic suite will follow the classic tale of One Thousand and One Nights. Stick around for post-concert discussions at 7:45pm.

Mon 13 Nov 2023, 6.30 PM | Arts Centre Melbourne

06/11/2023

🎧 Listen to Jesse Vivante (WA, percussion) being interviewed on The Sound Barrier show on PBS 106.7FM Melbourne about ANAM's end of year Chamber Music Festival, The Innovative Spirit of George Crumb, presented by ANAM!

Avant-Garde & Experimental with Ian Parsons

06/11/2023

📣 ANAM is accepting Bassoonist Applications for 2024 📣

ANAM is looking for bassoonists from Australia and New Zealand who are ready to take the next step in their performance training.

Successful musicians will receive a full scholarship and not incur a study debt– making ANAM the only institution in Australia of this kind.

Applicants of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply now!

⭐️ Applications close: 11.59pm AEDT Friday 10 November 2023 (with recordings due by Monday 20 November)
⭐️ Learn more: anam.com.au/applynow

04/11/2023

One of our long term donors, Marie Rowland, has donated to ANAM in support of musicians for over a decade.

As Marie is no longer able to come to concerts, we recently took ‘her’ three musicians Sola Hughes (violin), Leo Nguyen (piano) and Rosie Yang (horn) to her home to say thank you, with some Brahms and morning tea.

Did you know that you can support an ANAM musician for around $80 a month?

03/11/2023

An amazing weekend at Elgee Park last weekend with ANAM musicians playing music surrounded by the artworks of Wayne Eager.

02/11/2023

As part of Season 2024, we're delighted to welcome a number of incredible guest artists to ANAM.
Some of these artists include:

- Pianist Claudia Chan, a dazzlingly gifted and eloquent advocate for contemporary composers who has curated a program of works by Ligeti, Lachenmann, Chin and more, 5 April 7pm.

- Brett Dean former ANAM artistic director returns for two special concerts, one with the ANAM Orchestra 24 August 7pm at St Kilda Town Hall and one of new chamber works 21 August 3pm at Convent.

- Conductor Erkki Lasonpalo in a program of gorgeous music by Beach, Sibelius and Wennäkoski at St Kilda Town Hall, 1 June 7pm.

- Clarinet superstar Christoffer Sundqvist, who presents a number of masterclasses and performances with ANAM musicians as part of a residency in May.

For further information about these performances head to anam.com.au/2024

01/11/2023

Coming up 23-25 November is our end of year chamber music festival, exploring the music of the iconic American composer George Crumb.

Alongside the music of this brilliant musical trailblazer will be a diverse and rich array of music by other composers who studied with Crumb, one being Osvaldo Golijov.

In his piece 'The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind' featured at the festival, Osvaldo Golijov explores the profound connection between blindness, music, and communication.
This composition pays homage to legendary blind musicians and kabbalist rabbi Isaac The Blind. Golijov's belief in musicians playing 'blind,' relying on their inner senses, creates a unique and intense musical experience. Join us in celebrating the power of music to transcend sight and build castles of sound in our memories.

Catch this brilliant work at the first performance of the Innovative Spirit of George Crumb.
📆 Thu 23 Nov 2023, 7 PM
Rosina Auditorium, Abbotsford Convent
Book your tickets and further information - anam.com.au/whats-on/events-2023/the-innovative-spirit-of-george-crumb-1

30/10/2023

Congratulations to ANAM soloists – Oakley, Harry and Joshua – who competed for top honours in the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra ANAM Concerto Competition, with Joshua Jones achieving top place in this night of esteemed music performance.

Bravo! 👏

30/10/2023

Violist and curator-turned-creator Katie Yap takes you behind the making of her Freedman Fellowship Project - multitudes.

29/10/2023

Congratulations to our friends at Victorian Opera on their recent 2024 season launch announcement!
In 2024 discover the bold spirit of Victorian Opera, where tradition meets innovation. Experience Puccini's classical grandeur in "La Rondine," and Bernstein's playful charm in "Candide." Dive into modern fairy tales with "Eucalyptus," and waltz with peculiar characters in "English Eccentrics." From the evocative "Parrwang Lifts the Sky" to the suspense of "Sweeney Todd," our diverse palette awaits. Step into a mesmerizing world of song in Season 24.

https://www.victorianopera.com.au/season-24/

25/10/2023

🎵ALUMNI PERFORMANCE ROUND UP

KYLA MATSUURA-MILLER - PLAY ON PRESENTS: THREE CONVERSATIONS
Friday 27 October 7:30 pm - 10 pm at Abbotsford Convent
🎟 https://events.humanitix.com/play-on-presents-kyla-matsuura-miller

KATIE YAP - 'MULTITUDES' RESIDENCY I: BLACK COCKATOOS
Friday 3 November 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
🎟 Tempo Rubato

Chai Jie Low, Rollin Zhao and Isaac Davis
Saturday 4 November 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
🎟 Tempo Rubato
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1079425

LABYRINTH ENSEMBLE – IMPROMPTU(James Littlewood, Alex Meagher, Jennifer Yu)
Saturday, 11 November 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
🎟 Tempo Rubato

Alan Griffiths: Paul Whelan: Such A Fine, Sunny Day
Saturday 25 November @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
🎟 https://events.humanitix.com/paul-whelan-or-such-a-fine-sunny-day-australian-premiere

25/10/2023

We are delighted to announce the 20 composers who will be commissioned by ANAM to write a solo or duo work for each of our third-year musicians in 2024 as part of The ANAM Set 2024.

The Australian composers commissioned for 2024 are Natasha Anderson, Victor Arul, Lee Bradshaw, Andrew Chen, Lisa Cheney, Peter de Jager, Connor D'Netto, Stuart Greenbaum, Jonathan Heilbron, Christine Pan, Peggy Polias, Christopher Sainsbury, Lachlan Skipworth, Chris Williams, Justin Williams and Aaron Wyatt, plus Hollis Taylor and Jon Rose who will jointly work with one musician. They are joined from New Zealand by Salina Fisher, Callum Mallett and Miriama Young.

Congratulations to all selected composers!

http://anam.com.au/anam-blog/anam-set-2024

24/10/2023

Generous ANAM donor Faye Goldsmith recently opened her home to host Violin Day, a celebration of our incredible ANAM Syndicate donors and the musicians they support. After some stunning performances, the musicians and their audience toasted another wonderful year of music and connection at ANAM. Thank you Faye and all who joined us on this music-filled afternoon!

The ANAM Syndicate Program is for music-lovers wanting to connect with our young and talented musicians, and who believe in investing in the future of Classical music. Each member of the program donates to support an ANAM musician during their time with us, and for around $80 per month, you can too! For more information on supporting a musician and being a part of our ANAM community, contact Sylvia Hosking on (03) 9645 7911 or email [email protected]

24/10/2023

Get ready to explore ANAM’s 2024 Season from 11am on Wednesday, November 1st.

We invite you for another season of incredible music-making and performance. Stay tuned for what’s to come!

To be the first in the know, be sure to sign up for ANAM's enews - https://ticketing.anam.com.au/account/create/brief

23/10/2023

Adrian Whitehall’s recital makes a deeply personal statement, with works by Montag and Rota.

"This program is mostly new pieces that I have discovered this year that I had no idea about. These pieces I personally think are my absolute favourite of all solo bass repertoire. I think it makes the double bass shine in a very unique way! The program is very melodic from Montag’s Sonata in E minor, to Oscar award winning composer Nina Rota’s Divertimento Concertante." - Adrian Whitehall

Mon 30 Oct 2023, 1.30 PM | Abbotsford Convent, Rosina Auditorium

22/10/2023

Join Oakley as he presents some of the great romantic string repertoire transcribed for the double bass. Featuring works by Bottesini, Bruch, and Franck, this recital demonstrates a wide range of virtuosity and technique.

"This program takes inspiration from the iconic works NOT originally written for the double bass. To begin, Bottesini's take on the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, displayed through his work Grande Allegro di Concerto "Alla Mendelssohn". Following, is Bruch's famous Kol Nidrei for cello and Franck's gorgeous Violin Sonata in A Major." - Oakley Paul

Mon 30 Oct 11 AM | Abbotsford Convent, Rosina Auditorium