The Canberra Symphony Orchestra has made it an extraordinary year for new Australian music.

This year, Limelight talked with Aaron Wyatt, Miriama Young, Harry Sdraulig and Sally Greenaway about works commissioned and debuted by the orchestra – and this isn’t even an exhaustive list of the Aussie composers commissioned for the 2023 season.

On 22–23 November, CSO wraps up its mainstage program with yet another world premiere in Living Green, a program drawing inspiration from the natural world.

Louisa Trewartha holds her trumpet and looks over her shoulder.

Louisa Trewartha. Image © Abi Trewartha/Tangerine Creative.

Weave Magic Secrets by Louisa Trewartha reflects upon the works of Sibelius – whose Karelia Suite and Seventh Symphony also features on the program – with her own musical vocabulary built from her experiences as a composer and performing trumpeter.

Trewartha speaks to Limelight about the creation of her new work.

Was the commission brief to respond to the work, or was that a choice of yours?

Jessica had a strong vision for this commission, which helped to guide my creative process. For example, this piece needed to be written for antiphonal horns, it needed to...