Cameron Lam’s Australian Art Music playlist is all vibes this month, as he explores ambience, mood and grooves across Classical, Jazz and Sound Art.

The third collaboration between WA Opera and UWA’s Conservatorium of Music, Oratorio is a startling resurrection of an “ugly duckling”.

An ambitious work new for orchestra, massed choirs and a single actor, Tides of Longing explores the refugee experience in a new way.

Cameron Lam looks back at a year of releases in this Australian Art Music playlist, a 2022 retrospective.

William Barton wins two awards from three nominations, Joseph Tawadros wins for the third year in a row, while Carl Vine and the Australian Chamber Orchestra also emerge victorious.

The lineup includes Carmen in the WACA, Sondheim's Into the Woods, a new Bohème and a world premiere by Lachlan Skipworth, with a new work in the Noongar language scheduled for 2024.

Launching over 20 world premieres from emerging and established Australian composers, the ensemble touts new music across NSW and Victoria, as well as internationally in Helsinki and Berlin.

The Artistic Director of Taikoz and Percussion Australia, Ian Cleworth, explains how Taikoz has a set of taiko drums custom-made by the venerated Asano family – who keep the secret to the Asano sound shrouded in mystery.

Uzbek pianist Behzod Abduraimov shone in duet with the QSO in Rachmanimov’s Concerto No 2 for Piano and Orchestra, while ancient landscapes came to life in Lachlan Skipworth’s Hinterland.

Cameron Lam started out looking at the sky and pondering the stars, but his thoughts quickly turned to contemplations of death, mourning, bird song, and distant landscapes.

The big guns are out this month with box sets from Decca and DG, but other labels have plenty on offer, including an outstanding vocal recital from Nicky Spence.

A change of direction for Skipworth yields rich rewards.