Aptly hosted at a former industrial space whose walls have echoed to Australian music new, fine and daring, the 2023 Art Music Awards took place tonight at Carriageworks in Sydney.

The awards, presented by APRA AMCOS and the Australian Music Centre, honour the outstanding achievements of contemporary Australian musicians at the forefront of contemporary classical, jazz, sound art, improvised and experimental music.

William Barton, Veronique Serret and Barton’s Mother Aunty Delmae. Photo © Rhiannon Hopley

Work of the Year in the Choral category was awarded to Three Night Songs by Heather Percy, a work that pieces together a portrait of the night from three different angles. Premiered in June by the Sydney Chamber Choir, the work became a highlight of a program which received a 4 ½ star Limelight review. Its recording also features on the recent ABC Classic release Women of Note: Vol 5.

In the Dramatic category for Work of the Year, Shervin Mirzeinali received the award...