Four of Australia’s finest vocalists bring the words of one of the nation’s most revered poets, Gwen Harwood, to life through new Australian compositions that listen closely to the emotional and philosophical worlds within her texts.
This song cycle features new works commissioned and composed for AVÉ by Stephen Leek, Anne Cawrse, Sally Whitwell, Perry Joyce, Paul Stanhope, Kevin Baker, Joseph Twist, and Elena Kats-Chernin. Each composer brings a distinct musical language to Harwood’s poetry, crafting songs that respond to her insights, personal reflections, and lyricism with depth and sensitivity.
These works have become living interpretations of both the text and AVÉ’s growing sound world. Rooted in the traditions of a cappella chamber music, AVÉ’s programming embraces contemporary voices and reimagines classical works, offering performances that are warm and welcoming.
The program also features AVÉ’s interpretations of music by Bach, Handel, and Tomás Luis de Victoria, paying tribute to the golden age of vocal polyphony and highlighting the individual voices of the ensemble.
Founded by Artistic Director Dr Katie Noonan in 2021, AVÉ is forging a unique and innovative sound world. With over 60 commissions in three years, AVÉ leads one of Australia’s most active commissioning projects for vocal chamber music.
PROGRAM
Andrew O’Connor/Gwen Harwood Thought is Surrounded by a Halo
Kevin Barker/Gwen Harwood A Little Night Music
Joseph Twist/Gwen Harwood Refugee
Anne Cawrse/Gwen Harwood Beyond all words
Perry Joyce/Gwen Harwood My father’s gun
Stephen Leek/Gwen Harwood Light to Stone
Paul Stanhope/Gwen Harwood Triste
Thomas Green/Gwen Harwood Last Meeting
Elena Kats-Chernin/Gwen Harwood The Wound
Sally Whitwell/Gwen Harwood Halo
