Australia's Musical Canvas
A celebration and exploration of the tapestry of new works by Australian composers for Violin, Piano and small ensemble.
BACKGROUND
Australian Violinist Vov Dylan has been a performing and recording artist for over two decades with multiple national and international tours and albums released. He has also been a instrumental and ensemble teacher inside both the public and private school sectors for both primary and secondary sectors.
In his role as teacher of senior high school students undergoing core HSC Australian music components Vov noticed a space of music composition and performance that was under-represented…….Short pieces that demonstrate the wealth of musical tapestry Australia has to offer that are also relatable to by the general public whilst also being technically sufficient to warrant inclusion in not only student performance arenas but also for professionals to represent Australian music to a global audience.
This realisation started a project to combine the following:
- Research recently composed Australian works that had limited performance or recordings made of them – preferably works that have never been recorded before.
- Reach out to Australian composers to offer works they had written that would be suitable.
- Commission new works specifically to fulfill this space.
Along the way other requirements became:
- Length of piece to be under 5 minutes to suit HSC and Eisteddfod requirements.
- To find an array of works to suit students of multiple stage abilities from AMEB Grade 5 standard up to professional standard.
The above led to a substantial body of nearly 40 works by composers such as Elena Kats-Chernin, Margaret Brandman, Stuart Greenbaum, John Martin, Ann Carr-Boyd and Ross Edwards.
RECORDINGSince 2021 Vov has been undertaking the process of recording these works, and has divided them into three overall projects. The recordings have all been done in Elkwood Studios (formerly Underwood Studios) in Sydney’s Blue Mountains and recorded with some of Australia’s most respected classical musicians including Clemens Leske (Piano) John Martin (Piano and composer) Margaret Brandman (Piano and composer) Susan Blake (cello) Victoria Jacono-Gilmovich (Violin) Nicole Murray-Prior (Double Bass). |  |
KISMET: VIGNETTES FOR VIOLIN AND PIANOThis project featuring a collection of music by Elena Kats-Chernin was the first project to be released in July 2022 at the Sydney Opera House. The album went on to become No.1 on the ARIA Classical and Crossover charts as well as the AIR independent charts for nearly two months. This album also went on to become the highest selling Australian Classical release of 2022. Performed by Vov Dylan and Clemens Leske, this program has also toured to the Melbourne Recital Centre and a few regional theatres in NSW. The album of this work was also the first of its kind to be recorded and released in Native DSD/DXD ( a high definition format ) and the first representation of Australian Classical Contemporary Music to listeners in this format through Europe and America Soon to be added to the KISMET release is: Video Concert – recorded at the Melbourne Recital Centre it is a full live performance of the program alongside an interview with Elena Kats-Chernin introducing the works alongside giving inspirational stories to the creative process. Due for release early 2024. Sheet Music – Through Elena’s publishing company, the sheet music as recorded (alongside performance suggestions from Vov and Clemens) will be released in 2025. . |
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ELEVATIONDue for release in mid 2025 A collection of works by composers Ann Carr-Boyd, Elena Kats-Chernin, Stuart Greenbaum, Ross Edwards, Margaret Brandman and John Martin. The album features Vov Dylan (Violin) collaborating with Pianists John Martin, Margaret Brandman and Clemens Leske to bring a body of works which truly encompasses the multi-layered tapestry that is contemporary Australian classical music. |
LA VIDA APASIONADAA new suite by composer Dr Margaret Brandman. Due for release early 2025. This ambitious project was started in 2021 and has sprung multiple branches of performance and educational opportunities. Comprising a suite of 8 new latin inspired melodies, this collection was initially written for an ensemble of 2 Violins, Cello, Double Bass and Piano, this has now been adapted for Violin and Piano, as well as Violin, Piano and Double Bass. A ‘sneak peak’ of this program was presented to the International Piano Teachers conference in 2022 and from this point the educational benefits have been developed and explored more. At the close of 2023 the entire suite was adapted for Violin and Piano (by the composer) and has been placed on the recommended list of works for study for HSC purposes by The Australian Music Centre. This program has now become the foundation of a new combined performance and educational workshop program to suit senior High School Music students where it encompasses Composition, Solo Performance Skills, Ensemble Skills and a Performance opportunity. Recorded and performed by Vov Dylan and composer Margaret Brandman alongside Nicole Murray-Prior (Double Bass), Maryana Sywak (Violin), Michal Wieczorek (Cello) this brings together concepts of contemporary Australian Classical Music and world music influences not only through the compositions but by also the co-performers. ------ A highlight reel of the melodies from la Vida Apasionada turned into an overture.... Performed by Vov Dylan and composer Margaret Brandman (Piano) ---- BUY THE VIOLIN & PIANO SHEET MUSIC The sheet music for Violin and Piano arrangements of these works has been released by Margaret Brandman. The book of sheet music includes notes for performance approach and adaptability to different grade levels by Vov Dylan. This above link will take you to Margaret's site to purchase. Below are selections of the review on this sheet music from AUSTA's Stringendo magazine: "Brandman's suite of 8 new Latin-American influenced works for violin and piano was commissioned by violinist Vov Dylan. This reduction of the ensemble score has also been arranged for solo piano and other instruments including cello. Vov Dylan has contributed very helpful performance notes on each dance together with gradings that indicate suitability for HSC presentations and advanced AMEB levels. All the duet works for both violin and cello are on the AMC’s recommended works for HSC for 2024. The violin part incorporates double stop passages, imbuing it with extra rich harmonies. Each dance is meticulously crafted, and while demanding technical proficiency, allows room for embellishments and flamboyance to bring out their rhythmic élan and character; as Vov Dylan points out, giving the performer lots of scope for cheeky playfulness. Who can fail to be transported by these tantalisingly sultry, inspired dances?" |
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PERFORMANCE
The second stage of releasing these works is in performing them to as wide an audience as possible.
The selection of this music means that it is relatable to audiences who are both Classical Music lovers but also for those who are new to the experience. The combination of being for predominantly 2 performers allows these works to be easily tourable through main city centres as well as regional hubs and internationally.
The first program of KISMET is currently booked for performances in 2023 and 2024 and the new programs of Elevation and La Vida Apasionada are due for release in 2025.
EDUCATION
One of the core ideas in all of this music collation was to find music that would have music educational benefits and tie-ins.
The entirety of this collection is useful for this purpose where:
- Every piece suits multiple performance requirements of students.
- Every piece is recently written to tie into core HSC music requirements
This is further supported by
- Sheet music of the collection being available for study -alongside performance notes from the initial performers.
- Masterclasses are available for any wishing to participate.
Core participants are also able to add further benefit where:
Dr Margaret Brandman has drawn upon her multiple publications to create a workshop to allow students to not only engage in the music and collaborate with the performers and composer but how to also engage with the techniques of composition to aid in their own compositions for the other core HSC music components.
Vov Dylan has broadened the ensemble component of the suite La Vida Apasionada to include workshops in ensemble technique. These workshops are geared towards not only musical techniques but also how to build community and trust through music. Vov has been a member of the charity Keys Of Change and was sponsored by the Australian Embassy in Ghana to help create the first Youth Sinfonietta in Accra filled with students in the foster and orphan homes. Combining this with his ensemble training skills in Sydney and his one on one masterclasses, Vov is able to bring a wealth of experience and inspiration to students.
Clemens Leske is one of Australia’s most celebrated classical pianists and is also head Piano Teacher at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. His experience in Masterclasses is beyond compare.
John Martin is a respected Soloist, Accompanist and Composer. With a career covering classical to cocktail and all in between. John has been instrumental in helping to encourage many new performers into the world of music.
GOALS
With the recording process nearly completed for all projects, the primary goal is to generate performance and workshop opportunities for all the projects.
This is broken into two overall parts – works for Violin and Piano, and La Vida Apasionada.
The works for Violin and Piano in both Kismet and Elevation has enormous nationwide capital and regional centre touring potential both as a feature concert presentation, part of festivals and as performance masterclasses for students.
The collection is also a representation of some of Australia’s most beloved contemporary composers and would be suitable for presentation to a international touring market.
MORE INFORMATION
To enquire about any element of this exciting program from performances engagements to inclusion in school programs please feel free to reach out to us at any time.