One-act political satires by George Dreyfus and Ernst Krenek delivered in thrilling style with every detail of tone and colour writ large.

There were some exciting new works in this concert. Occasionally the musical elements faltered, but nonetheless the joyousness of the choristers shone through.

The 90-year-old composer used a megaphone to air his long-held grievances about Opera Australia as the houselights went down.

In his 90th birthday year, the Australian composer looks back on a career that spans half a century, and includes music for film and television, as well as classical concert music across genres.

Australia's finest musical minds tell us what they think makes our top 10 truly great.

Brett Dean and George Dreyfus head the list of winners in a diverse cross-section of Australian arts talent. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in