Now in its 14th year, cult concert event Homophonic returned to Carlton’s La Mama Courthouse last weekend, with a program featuring all living composers, and at least four world premieres. Committing to one world premiere is courageous for some classical institutions, let alone four, so does this courageous curation pay off on its mission to celebrate LGBTQ+ voices?

Homophonic! 2024: The Consort of Melbourne performs Robbie’s Daydream. Photo © Darren Gill

Opening on a high, Kym Dillon’s Robbie’s Daydream takes libretto from an interview with a former fighter pilot, telling a story of finally finding gender affirmation. Born of a Homophonic! commissioning project turning local senior LGBTQ+ stories into concert works, the piece was virtuosic, grippingly emotive and perfectly paced. The Consort of Melbourne handled the lyrics with skill and style, while the propulsive, intricate string parts woven through the piece were surmounted thrillingly by the Homophonic String Quintet. A triumph for all involved, this work deserves many more performances, and proves Dillon as a skilled composer to keep an eye on.

Homophonic! 2024: Judith Dodsworth. Photo © Darren Gill

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