Composers and Authors

New music for viola and piano by Australian Composers

Dawn Bennett, viola and Diana Blom, piano

When two musicians undertake research into the music they perform, thoughts will inevitably turn to a creative research project in which they can put this focus into practice. Australia East and West sought to foster national and international interest in contemporary classical music written by Australian composers through new music for viola and piano.
The project was devised by composer and pianist Diana Blom and violist Dawn Bennett, who commissioned, performed, recorded and researched a program of new works for viola and piano by Australian composers – Alice Humphries, Michael Hannan, John Encarnacao, Nicole Murphy, Cat Hope, Diana Blom, Lisa Cheney, and Clare Maclean.
The project resulted in nine new works which connected to the project title through their exploration of aural, cultural and creative notions of Eastern and Western Australia. Diana lives in Sydney and Dawn in Perth, so the two sides of the large Australian continent were in our minds, and we had associations with composers on each coast.
Wirr 101

[1]   Surface - Nicole Murphy
[2]   Fear - Alice Humphries
[3]   Majesty - Alice Humphries
[4]   Waltzing with Elling - Diana Blom
[5]   In the Sea Paths - Clare Maclean
Tarantula Variations - John Encarnacao
[6]   Variation I
[7]   Variation II
[8]   Variation III
[9]   Variation IV
[10]  Into the Sun - Diana Blom
[11]  Echo Tango - Michael Hannan
[12]  The Sinister Glamour of Modernity (after Ross Gibson) - Cat Hope
[13]  Fragile - Lisa Cheney

Grades 4 - Dip. 
15 piano works by Wirripang-published, Australian Women Composers 2014.  
Especially written and selected for this album as edited by Katie Zhukov and it includes a CD of each work recorded by Katie Zhukov.  
The aim of this new Australian Women Composers’ Piano Anthology is to provide a platform for both established as well as the emerging female composers. The new repertoire is written in a variety of styles (Classical, Romantic, 20h century and contemporary), and is suitable for intermediate-to-advanced students. 

Most works now on the ANZCA Syllabus

1.    The Adventurous Platypus (Jenny Lee-Robins)  Grade 4, c.1'15
2.    Farewell (Jennifer Trynes) Grade 4, c.2'15
3.    Reflections in the Still Water (Barbara Durham) Grade 5, c.3'05
4.    Aslant a Brook (May Howlett) Grade 5, c.3'15
5.    Section 32 (Yvonne Barton-Leach) Grade 5, c.3'30
6.    Red Sky at Dawn (Joanne Burrows) Grade 6, c.3'50
7.    Raindrops (Carolyn Morris) Grade 6, c.3'25
8.    Triptych 3rd Movement (Christina Green) Grade 7, c1'20
9.    Soliloquy (Jocelyn E Kotchie) Grade 7, c.6'00
10.  Remnant (Nicole Murphy) Grade 8, c.3'25
11.  The Seduction of Andalucia (Amanda Handel) Cert.Perf., 4'10
12.  Retro Rag (Ann Carr-Boyd) Dip., c.5'45
13.  The Night Ship (Diana Blom) Dip., c.4'55
14.  Anywhere (Jane Hammond) Dip., c.5'10
15.  Music from a Quiet Place (Betty Beath) Dip, c.5'30

Download samples

• The Adventurous Platypus - sheet music and https://youtu.be/PA7s5pLz3-c
• Farewell - sheet music and https://youtu.be/LtauGyPM_ps
• Reflections in the Still Water - sheet music and https://youtu.be/k7bbIrc_a4A
• Aslant a Brook - sheet music and https://youtu.be/sQLmzq6QNj
• Section 32 - sheet music and https://youtu.be/z3rftAtCEEk
• Red Sky at Dawn- sheet music and https://youtu.be/BDJR9axW-Ps
• Raindrops - sheet music and https://youtu.be/_6zAeINVKVE
• Triptych 3rd Movement - sheet music and https://youtu.be/91GmtJf4Okg
• Soliloquy  - sheet music and https://youtu.be/H70iOA-q4SM
• Remnant - sheet music and https://youtu.be/lqOJtosujt0
• The Seduction of Andalucia - sheet music and https://youtu.be/WnyIqgz6eFw
• Retro Rag - sheet music and https://youtu.be/KA6b9C3BQ5E
• The Night Ship - sheet music and https://youtu.be/_UpMBo1-cRI
• Anywhere - sheet music and https://youtu.be/qEt0FgZ9Jnk
• Music from a Quiet Place - sheet music and https://youtu.be/TwW7otAR8No

These works are now available separately, see titles in catalogue.

ISMN 979072051601

$40.00 for instant PDF download:

Grades Intermediate (5th) to Advanced (Dip.)

16 piano works by Wirripang-published, Australian Women Composers 2018.  

Especially written and selected for this album as edited by Katie Zhukov and it includes a CD of each work recorded by Katie Zhukov.  

This second volume of new piano repertoire by Australian women composers is a companion to the Australian Women Composers’ Piano Anthology (2015) published earlier by Wirripang.

Commissioning new work from established and emerging composers provides an opportunity for women’s voices to be heard in the Australian classical music arena that tends to be dominated by live and recorded performances of music by male composers. Introducing new generations of piano students to music by women composers helps drive the grassroots campaign for gender equality in Australian classical music.
The pieces vary in style from Romantic to contemporary, neo-classical, and jazz-influenced idioms.
Each work is accompanied by the composer’s biography, composer comments and pedagogical advice. The grading will assist teachers is choosing repertoire of appropriate difficulty for study and as extra lists for examinations.

• For Claire (Vivien Arnold), Grade 5, c.1'37
• Prelude III (Jennifer Trynes), Grade 5, c.1'27
• Nuages (Karlin G Love), Grade 5, c.2'59
• Locrian Solitude (Jane Hammond), Grade 6, c.2'37
• Honeyeater Waltz (Learne Faint), Grade 6, c.1'38
• Time Travel (Jane Andino), Grade 6, c.1'56
• Thinking of You (Betty Beath), Grade 6, c.2'30
• Velvet Drop (Nicole Murphy), Grdae 7, c.2'08
• The Stones Start Spinning (Amanda Handel), Grade 7, c.2'04
• Star Dance (Keyna Wilkins), Grade 7, c.3'35
• Illuminatio (Louise Denson), Grade 8, c.3'02
• Crimson Rosella (Ann Carr-Boyd), Grade 8, c.3'08
• Hot Wind, Red Dust and Rolling Weeds (Joanne Burrows), Grade 8, c.2'40
• The Lost Waltz (May Howlett), Grade Dip., c.4'07
• Sonata Neoclassica (Diana Blom), Grade Dip., c.4'44
• Midnight at Mishka's (Jocelyn E Kotchie), Grade Dip., c.4'43

Sheet music samples and the complete works on YouTube

• For Claire and https://youtu.be/KJUtsMM5R-4
• Prelude III and https://youtu.be/pNJF-QPiR3I
• Nuages and https://youtu.be/1sqkwxZwL2M
• Locrian Solitude and https://youtu.be/fUxjU_AX9Bs
• Honeyeater Waltz and https://youtu.be/Md6kRGoUMxM
• Time Travel and https://youtu.be/iM5fFeBezIg
• Thinking of You and https://youtu.be/ERuNB5xkLNA
• Velvet Drop and https://youtu.be/Dis5HrV5vEk
• The Stones Start Spinning and https://youtu.be/LQhbK6QpGw4
• Star Dance and https://youtu.be/cFyytXCpS_A
• Illuminatio and https://youtu.be/QIUhqUnJtiA
• Crimson Rosella and https://youtu.be/PfD8VnuakQY
• Hot Wind, Red Dust and Rolling Weeds and https://youtu.be/iT7dBHXXSCc
• The Lost Waltz and https://youtu.be/jmA4nbg2h_o
• Sonata Neoclassica and https://youtu.be/Ncv_twAnm_4
• Midnight at Mishka's and https://youtu.be/tW5nH03zWIo
  

These works are now available separately, see titles in catalogue.

ISMN 9790720214191

$40.00 for instant PDF download

For Orchestra, c.10'0. Commissioned by Symphony Australia 2010.
Composed 2010

Download samples

• Elsewhere - sheet music

ISMN 9790720146935
$90.00 for instant download for score and parts

For two acoustic guitars in two movements, c.5'00
Composed 2014

Price for two scores with hard copy purchase

Download samples

• Isa I - sheet music and audio 
• Isa II - sheet music and audio

ISMN 9790720151112

$15.00 for instant download, one score 

Beginner to Grade 3

48 piano works by Wirripang-published, Australian composers. 

New repertoire for Piano Progressions was commissioned from Australian male and female composers to celebrate 10 years since the release of Wirripang Australian Piano Anthology in 2011. The first anthology consisted of three books, with 46 new works from Grade One to Diploma level. The success of this publication had led to two Australian Women Composers’ Anthologies in 2015 and 2019 and a third in 2021, all aiming at intermediate-to-advanced piano students. The feedback from teachers indicated the need for more repertoire at beginner-to-intermediate level, resulting in the two books of Piano Progressions that provide fresh teaching materials from Preliminary to Grade 6 level.

Especially written and selected for this volume as edited by Katie Zhukov

• Preliminary grade
• Big Ben Calls – Brennan Keats
• Little Starfish/Little Bluefish – Brennan Keats
• Happy Cats – Yvonne Barton-Leach
• Happy Days – Mark Matthews
• Kangaroo Jazz – Joanne Burrows
• Dusky Bells 1 – Ann Carr-Boyd
• Dusky Bells 2 – Ann Carr-Boyd
• At Home Again Blues – Joanne Burrows
• Tenderly – Simone Lobbia
• Murrumbidgee Deep – Joanne Burrows  
• Rainbows and Sunshowers – Learne Faint
• Windy Weather – Joanne Burrows
• Rock Riff – Amanda Handel
• Skecher Shuffle – Mark Matthews
• Leap-Frog ? Tip-Toad – Graeme Wright Denniss
• Kangaroos – Carolyn Morris
• The Woodpecker – Brett McKern
• Chester Chicken’s Afternoon Stroll – Jocelyn E Kotchie
• Grade 1
• The Beanie Boo Bounce – Mark Matthews
• Suspended – Simone Lobbia
• March of the Fire Ants – Jocelyn E Kotchie
• River of Dreams – Michael Hannan
• Lilia Prima – Robert Burrell
• River Stones – Nicole Murphy
• M.I.A. – Mark Matthews 
• Low Tide – Jennifer Trynes
• Play for Pleasure – Betty Beath
• Letting go … – Mark Matthews
  
• Reverie – Simone Lobbia 
• Grade 2
• Morning Calm – Brennan Keats
• Melody from the Fridge – John D’Arcy
• A Little Waltz for Sara – Ann Carr-Boyd
• Bag Walk – John D’Arcy
• Head in the Clouds – Amanda Handel
• Happy Daze – Carolyn Morris
• Gum Tree Waltz – Joanne Burrows
• Phantom of the Pyramid – Amanda Handel
• Rainbow Lori – Jocelyn E Kotchie
• Tripping Lightly – Phillip Wilcher
• Reflections in the Looking Glass – Tania Owens
• Rockin’ Sonatina – Joanne Burrows
• Suave – Jennifer Trynes
• Misty Morning – Joanne Burrows
• Grade 3 (transitioning)
• A Sedate Little Waltz – Ann Carr-Boyd
• B for Bass – Graeme Wright Denniss
• Bright ‘n’ Breezy – John Martin
• The Time Traveller – Jocelyn E Kotchie 
• Catherine – John D’Arcy

Sheet music samples

Piano Progressions Anthology One - sheet music

and YouTube links
Listen to the following selection of pieces from both Anthologies One and Two performed by students of Riverina Conservatorium of Music, Wagga Wagga, courtesy RCM.

Sample recital performance:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgaRmjSkoKE

A Little Waltz for Sara (Ann Carr-Boyd)
Bag Walk (John D'Arcy)
Chester Chicken's Afternoon Stroll (Jocelyn E Kotchie)
The Beanie Boo Bounce (Mark Matthews)
Phantom of the Pyramid (Amanda Handel)
Melody from the Fridge (John D'Arcy)
Tripping Lightly (Phillip Wilcher)
Reverie (Simone Lobbia)
Promise of Hope (Learne Faint)

ISMN 9790720231570

$40.00 for instant PDF download

Grades 3 to 6

32 piano works by Wirripang-published, Australian composers. 

New repertoire for Piano Progressions was commissioned from Australian male and female composers to celebrate 10 years since the release of Wirripang Australian Piano Anthology in 2011. The first anthology consisted of three books, with 46 new works from Grade One to Diploma level. The success of this publication had led to two Australian Women Composers’ Anthologies in 2015 and 2019 and a third in 2021, all aiming at intermediate-to-advanced piano students. The feedback from teachers indicated the need for more repertoire at beginner-to-intermediate level, resulting in the two books of Piano Progressions that provide fresh teaching materials from Preliminary to Grade 6 level.

Especially written and selected for this volume as edited by Katie Zhukov

• Grade 3
• Baby Prelude No 1 - Thomas McConochie
• Darling boy - Jennifer Trynes
• No Rain Blues - Joanne Burrows
• Sunny Daze - Carolyn Morris
• Yarraldool - Ann Carr-Boyd
• Wistful Waltz - John Martin
• Early Morning - Glenn Dixon
• Allegretto - Brett McKern
• Grade 4
• Butterfly Dreams  - Jocelyn E Kotchie
• Promise of Hope - Learne Faint
• Dappled Light - Robert Burrell
• The Winter Moon - Mark Matthews
• A Little Blue Music - Joanne Burrows
• Skippy the Swamp Wallaby - Ann Carr-Boyd
• Sunset Serene - Mark Matthews
• The Flying Car - Diana Blom
• Blue Funk  - John D’Arcy
• Greetings - Betty Beath
• Far Away and Long Ago - Rob Stove
• Grade 5
• Passage - Nicole Murphy
• Lost for words - Mark Matthews
• Courtly Dance - Graeme Wright Denniss
• Prelude I - Betty Beath
• Prelude II - Betty Beath
• A Little Song - May Howlett
• Now and Then - Brett McKern
• Grade 6
• Industrial Workers - Glenn Dixon
• Beach House Blues - Amanda Handel
• Summer Lightning Storm - Brennan Keats
• Jack Russell Rag - John Martin
• The Liquid Light She Spills - Phillip Wilcher
• The Trunkey Creek Blues - Ann Carr-Boyd

Sheet music samples

Piano Progressions Anthology Two - sheet music

and YouTube links

Listen to the following selection of pieces from both Anthologies One and Two performed by students of Riverina Conservatorium of Music, Wagga Wagga, courtesy RCM.

Sample recital performance:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgaRmjSkoKE

A Sedate Little Waltz (Ann Carr-Boyd)
Dappled Light (Robert Burrell)
Blue Funk (John D'Arcy)
Far Away, Long Ago (R J Stove)
Phantom of the Pyramid (Amanda Handel)
Melody from the Fridge (John D'Arcy)
Trunky Creek Blues (Ann Carr-Boyd)
Sunset Serene (Mark Matthews)
Promise of Hope (Learne Faint)

ISMN 9790720231587

$40.00 for instant PDF download  

Solo piano, c.3'22.  Grade 8

The piece is based on a brief idea that is being constantly elaborated melodically and harmonically. The melody is being extended at each entry with new bass notes and arpeggios supporting it. The harmonic centre is c-­sharp natural minor, and the overall effect is not excessively dissonant.
A great piece to introduce students to more advanced 21st century techniques!
Composed 2014

Recorded and edited by Katie Zhukov for the volume of Australian Women Composers' Piano Anthology available online https://youtu.be/lqOJtosujt0

Download samples

• Remnant - sheet music and audio 

ISMN 9790720227535

$8.00 for instant download

Viola and Piano, c.6'00
Composed 2012

Recorded by Dawn Bennett viola and Diana Blom on Australia - East and West, (Wirr 101) available online.

Download samples

• Surface - sheet music
• Surface - audio

ISMN 9790720151106
$15.00 for instant download score and part

Piano Trio, c.5'20
Composed 2013

Download samples

• Surface II- sheet music
• Surface II- audio

ISMN 9790720146874

$20.00 for instant download score and parts 

Chamber ensemble, c.7'30
For flute, clarinet, vibraphone, piano, violin and violoncello.  Composed 2011

Download samples

• Untangled - sheet music
• Untangled - audio

ISMN 9790720146881
$35.00 for instant PDF download score and parts 

One doesn't have to dig too deeply to find that many people have a family connection to WWI, with stories of relatives who returned safely ... or did not.  Four Australian composers, representing four generations, were commissioned to set letters from WWI for new music ensemble Halcyon.  The thoughts, reflections and feelings expressed in these personal letters are as fresh today as they were 100 years ago.  War Letters brings into focus the day to day experiences of the men and women taken up by war.  From these personal memories we can reflect on the enormous impact the war, as it continues in our present lives, and truly empathise with those individuals who are speaking to us from both the past and the present.
Wirr 074 

Concert Program of Schools Presentation - Tuesday 10 November 2015, Ku-ring-gai Town Hall, Pymble

Concert Program for Public Audience - Saturday 7th November 2015, Ku-ring-gai Town Hall, Pymble

Review of CD by Music Teachers' Association  NSW - The Studio - February 2017

Download samples

Un poilu australien - Elliott Gyger (2015) [1-5]
1   August - November 1914
2   April 1915 - January 1916
3   April - June 1916
4   July 1916
5   August 1916
'Dearest Mother ...' - Nicole Murphy (2015) [6-9]
6   Leaving Home
7   Egypt
8   France
9   England
10 Letter from the Trenches - Larry Sitsky (2015)
Triptych (war letters) - Diana Blom (2015) [11-13]
11  Gallipoli letter: Ellie (Frank Robinson)
12  Vietnam diary: Great bloody Xmas break (David Wilkins)
13  Afghan emails: Bread and kids (Andrew Hastie)