Ken Young Trans-Tasman composer

In the spirit of ANZAC, SOUNZ and AMC collaborate on an annual Trans-Tasman Composer Exchange.
Below is a press release about the current recipients: NZ composer Kenneth Young and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.
For immediate use.

Begins:

Kenneth Young, composer and conductor, has been awarded the Trans-Tasman Composer Exchange and is currently enjoying Hobart’s hospitality as he works with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.

The Composer Exchange is a collaborative project between SOUNZ, the Centre for New Zealand Music and the Australian Music Centre which aims to increase musical collaborations between the two countries. Each year a composer from one country is given the opportunity to spend between six weeks and two months with a leading professional performing ensemble in the other country. Mr Young is being hosted by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, a group with whom he already has a considerable history.

“I have conducted the Tasmanian Symphony several times over the last ten years and have many friends there,” Mr Young said. “I am very much looking forward to spending intensive time with the orchestra as a composer – Hobart is an inspiring place to write music. It is very beautiful.”

Young will work closely with the players to write a new work which the orchestra will perform in their main season in 2009. While in Hobart he will also be a mentor for the Australian Composers School and give guest lectures at the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music. Young will return in December to conduct the TSO in a recording for ABC Classics of his own Saffire Concerto for guitar quartet and orchestra.

Background:

SOUNZ, the Centre for New Zealand music, is dedicated to promoting, fostering and providing the music of New Zealand composers. More information is available from the comprehensive website at: www.sounz.org.nz
More information about Kenneth Young can be found at: http://sounz.org.nz/contributor/composer/1103

The Trans-Tasman Exchange is funded by the Australia Council and Creative New Zealand and managed by the Australian Music Centre and SOUNZ, the Centre for NZ Music. The Centres undertake a role of ‘wedding planner’ – identifying composers and ensembles who would work fruitfully together to perform and create music by both the resident composer and other Australasian composers. Together the music centres work to ensure that promotional opportunities resulting from the Exchange increase the understanding and appreciation of music from their respective countries.

Previous recipients have been: Gareth Farr (NZ) and The Song Company, an internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble (2003); James Ledger (Aus) and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (2004); James Gardner (NZ) and ELISION, Australia's premier new music ensemble (2005); and Colin Bright (Aus) and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (2006).

ENDS

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