2009 Vocal Writing Prize Winner
Pacific Opera is committed to developing talent, and that includes composers. Each year we will seek out those composers who have a gift of writing for the classically trained voice.
Entries are invited by Pacific Opera in collaboration with The Fellowship of Australia Composers, for a composition of no longer than 12 minutes duration employing piano and solo voice, or piano and duet for 2 solo voices.
We are delighted to announce that the winner of the 2009 Pacific Opera Vocal Writing Prize is composer Benjamin Loomes whoose composition In my mind there's a Golden Thread for baritone and piano was a hit with the judges. We will be presenting Benjamin with his $2,000 prize money at a performance of this and another of his works at the beautiful S.H Ervin Gallery. Come and hear 2010 Telstra Wholesale Young Artist Michael Viaisinni perform the winning work.
Date: Thursday 25th February
Time: 6:30 to 8pm
Venue: S. H Ervin Gallery, National Trust of Australia , Watson Road, Observatory Hill, The Rocks, NSW 2000
Entry is free. Seats are limited, please contact Pacific Opera on 02 9252 7547 or email info@pacificopera.com.au to put your name on the list.
- In my mind there's a Golden Thread for baritone and piano - The winning composition (from his yet to be completed opera Our side of the River ).
- I have a place within my heart for soprano and piano (also from Our Side of the River)
- Lament for Gandalf for solo cello
- The Audition song for soprano and piano
Program approx 30' Wine and nibbles will be served.
Artists
Benjamin Loomes is an honours graduate in music from the University of Sydney, where he majored in composition, studying with Anne Boyd, Ross Edwards and Peter Sculthorpe. He has written numerous works for a range of media, including orchestral and chamber works, but has a particular passion for vocal writing. In 2000 Benjamin won first prize in the Open Composition section of City of Sydney Performing Arts Challenge for his work "Christ Martyr" , which was also performed by the Sydney Chamber Choir at the University of Sydney.
Benjamin is a pianist and singer having performed numerous lead roles including: Eisenstein in "Fledermaus"; Sir Walter Raleigh in "Merrie England"; the title Role in "Fra Diavolo" by Auber; and in 2004, the role of BRIAN in his one-act opera "The Boat".
Benjamin is currently working as musical director in Opera Australia's WotOpera project, where he collaborates with young people to compose, stage and perform their own new Australian works. This January, Benjamin's Rock Opera "Crusade 1212" directed by Peter Cousins, was performed at The Independent Theatre, North Sydney. In 2007, Benjamin was commissioned by "Tall Popeas", producing a work, "The Present" which received very positive reviews. He is currently seeking funding for a number of works which are still in their infancy.
Venue
ON FOOT
From Circular Quay : Walk to George Street , The Rocks. Turn left into Argyle Street and walk under the famous Argyle Cut to climb the stairs opposite the Garrison Church. Turn left at the top of the stairs and follow Watson Road past the Sydney Observatory to the National Trust Centre.
From Kent Street : Follow the historic Agar Steps (opposite the Observatory Hotel) up to the National Trust Centre.
From Wynyard and the city : At No. 1 York Street walk through the expressway underpass. Follow the tunnel, keeping to the right, until you come up on Kent Street . Walk along Kent Street to the Agar Steps, or follow the approach to the Bridge, which will take you past the National Trust Centre on your left.
BY CAR
Drive down Kent Street , right into Argyle Street , right again into Watson Road and follow it around past the Sydney Observatory to the National Trust Centre.
Parking on site available.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Bus: routes, 308, 339, 343, X43 & X39, 431, 432, 433, 434 all terminate at Argyle Street . Walk up Watson Road , Observatory Hill and follow the signs. Train: to Wynyard or Circular Quay
Ferry: to Circular Quay and proceed as above