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.

Kathie Renner, Alex Wignall, Ross McHenry and Rachel Bruerville

I love these playlists where I get to be a musical tourist, time-traveller and detective – exploring a state’s music scene and how these artists influence each other. This month, we’re travelling to South Australia and its wealth of sound art, chamber music and jazz.

Let’s start with Ross McHenry’s upbeat Adelaide, from his 2020 album Nothing Remains Unchanged. An eminently smooth jazz number, the band builds from comfortable groove to create layers of texture with teeth – always drawing the listener back in to discover something new. This leads into Skittled by composer Anne Cawrse who puts the Australian String Quartet through their paces to create a whimsical, precise and curious work. It’s easy to hear why she is in such high demand, her music pulls on the audience, crafting an experience where every moment is relished and anticipated with bated breath.