Australian Music Centre Announces Recipients of 2024 MOMENTUM Commissions

Composers Christine Pan and Aaron Wyatt will each be commissioned to write a new solo or small-ensemble work

The Australian Music Centre (AMC) has announced that composers Christine Pan (NSW) and Aaron Wyatt (VIC) have been selected as the recipients of its MOMENTUM Commissions for 2024.

The commissioning scheme connects composers with private philanthropists who are looking to commission a new work. In 2024, the grants are supported by Hendrik Prins, and call for either solo or small-ensemble works that reflect a theme of personal relevance to the composer.

Christine Pan was selected for her proposal to write a new piece for solo bass clarinet, exploring the impact that noise pollution has on birdlife. Pan's work so far has encompassed a wide range of themes and contexts, including gaming, science, palliative care, film, and theater.

Aaron Wyatt has opted to compose a work exploring his Indigenous identity. A man of Noongar, Yamatji, and Wongi heritage, Wyatt's proposed chamber trio will traverse themes of colonialism and reconciliation. The work also responds to the recent Indigenous Voice referendum, in which the Australian public ultimately rejected a proposal to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the country's constitution.

"I'm grateful for this chance to explore bioacoustics' intersection with technology and environmental awareness through the bass clarinet's expressive color palette," Christine Pan said. "Drawing inspiration from current research data, I am excited to see how science can meet music through the virtuosic potential of a solo instrument."

"It's a great honor to be chosen for this commission, and I look forward to being able to contribute to the rich and vibrant landscape of art music that we have in this country," said Aaron Wyatt. "It's invaluable to have organizations like the Australian Music Centre championing this part of our cultural heritage."