In honour of International Women’s Day, the Instrumental Music Department presents a concert to showcase repertoire by female composers from around the globe including world premier performances of two specially commissioned works by contemporary Australian female composers and the presentation of three new student compositions.
The winning composition of the treble choir section of the School’s Composition Competition, Lift Up Your Voice and Sing, was composed by Abigail Lui (12O) and will be performed by the Chamber Singers. Abigail wrote this piece to encourage younger people to have courage and stand up for what they believe. This message is repeated throughout the piece, with layered quotes from prominent figures, such as Martin Luther King and Malala Yousafzai, used throughout.
Tiffany Yeo (10E), winner of the combined strings section of the Composition Competition, will also showcase her work, Tango Grandioso, which celebrates women’s achievements. The piece uses elaborate tango rhythmical counterlines, sweeping melodies and dynamic changes to portray emotion. Written in modified ternary form, the melody gradually develops and culminates in an emotional violin solo before the orchestra joins for a rousing ending. This piece will be premiered by the combined Mendelssohn and Chamber strings.
Student composers, Erika Thompson (12W) and Lily Lau-Coombs (12O), will perform their winning entry of the singer/songwriter section of the BGGS Composition Competition, Better Without You. Inspired by female soul music legends, such as Aretha Franklin, the song explores the realisation of women’s strength and independence.
The concert will also feature works from two specially commissioned Australian composers, Catherina Likhuta and Julia Potter. A composer, pianist and recording artist, Catherine’s music exhibits high emotional charge, programmatic nature and rhythmic complexity, and has been played throughout the world by prominent symphony orchestras. Her commissioned composition, Through Healers Eyes, was specially commissioned for the 2020 International Women’s Day Concert.
Inspired by the life of BGGS alumna and nurse, Grace Wilson, and her work as an Army Nurse during World War I and World War II, this piece is an emotional depiction of war.
Julia Potter is an emerging Australian composer, who graduated from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music with Honours in 2018. Since then, she has commenced her Master’s Degree at the Australian Film Television and Radio School, specialising in film music composition.
Julia’s commissioned piece, Eyes on the Stars, serves as a message of encouragement and resilience to young women, reminding them that no setback should be a hindrance in the pursuit for achievement and adventure, and to be unapologetic about who they are and their dreams.
The concert will feature performances by Symphonic Winds, Chorale, Chamber Singers, Chamber Strings, Mendelssohn Strings and the Big Band.
Please note, entry is by donation on the door, with funds being donated to the Music Support Group. For further information, please contact, Administration Assistant—Music, Mrs Elizabeth Worth.
Mrs Emma Dron
Director of Instrumental Music
Australian Composer, Catherina Likhuta
Australian Composer, Julia Potter
