Canberra International Music Festival (CIMF) has announced the two composers who have received A Major Lift commissions for 2024.

Holly Harrison and Nicole Smede will write a new work each to be premiered at the 2024 CIMF, 1–5 May, 2024. 

CIMF has also lifted the curtain on part of its 2024 program, which includes works by Lior, Steve Reich and a selection of Bach’s masterworks.

L: Holly Harrison. Photo © Sally Tsoutas.
R: Nicole Smede. Photo © Bonnie Porter Green

For her A Major Lift commission, Holly Harrison will write an all-women percussion trio for the 2024 festival. 

Recognised for its energy and whimsy, Harrison’s work has already been performed across Australia, Asia, Europe and the USA. She has been commissioned by groups including the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Omega Ensemble and more, and she served as the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra’s composer in residence from 2020–2022.

Nicole Smede will write a work for mezzo-soprano and electronics for Australian vocalist Lotte Betts-Dean.

Smede is a multidisciplinary artist who works...