Welcome to the Australian Art Music playlist! A monthly playlist of classical, jazz, experimental and electronic music focused on contemporary Australian composers, musicians and sound artists.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how things begin. Both because I’m getting to start a few new projects as a composer, and the research I’m doing with Music Australia and Creative Australia on commissioning practices (please do fill out survey!).

So, this month’s playlist is a collection of beginnings or the moments of contemplation before. We have preludes, dawns, the first day of spring, beginnings, departures, and a “Once upon a time”… But we also have questions, prayers, moments of isolation and stillness, the moments of bracing and searching, of finding the strength to set out on a journey or begin something new.

Somewhat by accident, the piano features rather heavily here also. Consider this my little follow up to ABC’s Classic 100 this past weekend – there’s always exciting new works to discover!

If you’re wanting more music to explore I’d always recommend the Australian Art Music Archive