The Australian Music Centre has announced the two composers chosen as recipients of the 2024 MOMENTUM Commissions.

Aaron Wyatt and Christine Pan will write a new work for the commission, valued at $4,000, which will also receive a premiere performance in Melbourne later in the year.

Christine Pan. Photo © Ester Maria

Based in New South Wales, Christine Pan will write a work for solo bass clarinet that investigates the impact of noise pollution on birdlife. It also explores the interdisciplinary field of bioacoustics, or the way that animals produce and perceive sound.

Pan was one of four composers recently selected for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s (MSO) 2024 Cybec program. Her body of work spans game, film, theatre, electroacoustic and classical contemporary art music; her works have been performed  by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, the Goldner Quartet, Orchestra Victoria and Ensemble Offspring, amongst others.

“I’m grateful for this chance to explore bioacoustics’ intersection with technology and environmental awareness through the bass clarinet’s expressive colour palette,” said Pan.

“Drawing inspiration from current research data, I am excited to see how science can meet music through the virtuosic potential...