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.

Australian Art Music

Australian Vocal Ensemble, Divisi Chamber Singers © Julia Krivoshev, The Australian Voices © Wayne Muller, Voyces © Nik Babic Photography

Australia’s musical landscape has multiple long-running choirs and vocal groups which have shaped our sound, expectations and belief in what the voice is capable of. These ripples not only effect our composers and the music they write but also a new generation of vocal ensembles and what they wish to champion. This month we look at choirs new and old, and the music written for them.

We open with a very recent release, Sally Greenaway’s Resonance performed by Luminescence Chamber Singers conducted by Roland Peelman. Greenaway’s expert use of line creates an utterly fluid piece of music that comes to rest in rich wells of harmony. Luminescence’s tone and control enhances this fluidity, floating effortlessly and gracefully.

Composer Dan Walker is a mainstay of Australia’s choral scene, whose style of writing is instantly recognisable. Vast Sea Sleeping...