Far Horizons showcases music written by Australian women over the last 70 years, with works by composers that represent three generations of Art Music in Australia, and trace the importance of individuals in developing an active Australian music culture.

Pioneers of Australian art music Dulcie Holland and Margaret Sutherland were experimenting with tonality and timbre in the early twentieth century, alongside other prominent women such as Mirrie Hill and Peggy Glanville-Hicks. These composers were well ahead of their time, writing avant-garde music in a generally unappreciative environment, and it is fitting that some of their works will be heard tonight. Both Holland and Sutherland were inspirational to future generations of Australian composers through their piano and theory publications, and establishment of musical institutions respectively.

Later composers included such luminaries as Anne Boyd, Elena Kats-Chernin and Ann Carr-Boyd. Such women achieved international success, and put Australian music on the world stage. More recently, composers such as Wendy Hiscocks, Lisa Lim and Katy Abbott represent a new generation of Australian music heard overseas, and Peggy Polias, who you will hear tonight.

Locally, Canberrans Judith Clingan, Sandy France, and Ruth Lee Martin are part of a rich composition culture in the ACT. This culture continues to thrive and tonight you will hear premieres of two works by emerging Canberran composers, Fiona Fraser and Vanessa Nimmo.

Of course it is impossible to include all the composers mentioned above in the program, but we hope the sample we have provides a brief glimpse into the rich and diverse culture of Australian music. These works are not just important as ‘Australian’ works, but also form part of a more general musical and artistic fabric. It is therefore fitting that in tonight’s concert we will be juxtaposing the music alongside poetry from Australia and beyond – Poetry that inspired some of the pieces, and poetry that we felt expressed the emotion that the pieces convey.

Anne Boyd – Miaren Mair
Margaret Sutherland – Valse Descant arr. Fraser
Peggy Polias – As It Seemed
Fiona Fraser – To Boldly Go
Elena Kats-Chernin – Totschki
Wendy Hiscocks – Beat! Beat! Drums!
Vanessa Nimmo – Sweet Sessions of Silent Thought
Dulcie Holland – Sonata, mvt 1: Brooding arr. Sollis

Friday 29 June 7pm 2007 @ National Library of Australia