Oceania

13 July

July 13th

Thomas Pitts Australia, Music, Oceania Carr-Boyd, Fandango, July

Ann Kirsten Carr-Boyd Born 13 July 1938

Fandango

Ann Carr-Boyd
From https://ayo.com.au/people/ann-carr-boyd/

Ann Kirsten Carr-Boyd is an Australian composer and musicologist, born in Sydney on 13 July 1938. She is highly regarded for her expertise in the history of European music in Australia. Her family background is steeped in music; her grandfather, a violinist from Bohemia, arrived in Australia in 1888. Ann’s father was her first piano and composition teacher, while her uncle taught her the violin. Both men played viola in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

Ann pursued her formal music education at the University of Sydney, earning a Bachelor of Music degree in 1960. She went on to receive the university’s first Master of Arts in music. After moving to London, she studied with notable composers and later returned to Sydney in 1967. Among her achievements, she won the Albert H. Maggs Composition Award in 1975 and helped establish the Lane Cove Symphony Orchestra. One of her well-known compositions, Fandango, has been celebrated in Australia. Today, she resides in Moss Vale in New South Wales, continuing to inspire many through her music.

25 June

June 25th

Thomas Pitts Australia, Music, Oceania Glanville-Hicks, June, Prelude for a Pensive Pupil

Peggy Glanville-Hicks 29 December 1912 – 25 June 1990

Prelude for a Pensive Pupil

Peggy Glanville-Hicks
By Unknown author – https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/47220499 – The Australian Women’s Weekly, National Library of Australia, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=80899727

Peggy Glanville-Hicks was an important Australian composer and music writer, known for her unique contributions to classical music. She was born on 30th December 1911 in Sydney, Australia. From a young age, Peggy showed a strong passion for music and began her studies at the New South Wales State Conservatorium. Later, she travelled to Europe to further her education, deeply immersing herself in the contemporary music scene.

Throughout her career, Peggy composed many works for orchestra, chamber music, and operas. Her style was innovative, blending traditional elements with modern techniques. One of her notable operas, “The Transposed Heads,” was performed in various countries, earning her international recognition.

Peggy was also a strong advocate for women in music, encouraging female composers and musicians to pursue their dreams. She lived in Greece for many years, where she absorbed rich cultural influences, which inspired her compositions. Peggy Glanville-Hicks passed away in 1990, but her legacy continues to inspire musicians around the world.

26 January

January 26th

Thomas Pitts Australia, Music, Oceania Houghton, January, Stélé

Phillip Houghton 26 April 1954 – 30 September 2017

Stélé (26th January is Australia Day)

Phillip Houghton
from https://nixguitar.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/dan-nistico_july2013.png

Phillip Houghton was an Australian classical guitarist and composer. Born in Melbourne, he started studying music at 20 and learned guitar and piano from Sebastian Jorgenson at the Montsalvat Artists Colony in Victoria.

Although he wasn’t formally trained as a composer, Houghton’s music became well-known and admired. One of his most famous pieces, Stélé, was recorded by the legendary guitarist John Williams. He also wrote music for films and TV, including The Custodian and the animated series Plasmo. Houghton created experimental music on electric guitar and piano, though much of his work was shared only privately.

Houghton lived in Sydney for many years, teaching guitar in his home and inspiring many students with his deep knowledge of music and guitar technique. He later moved back to Melbourne, where he passed away unexpectedly in 2017.

After his death, his work was honoured in a tribute concert at the Montsalvat Artists Colony, where a student performed pieces Houghton had taught him. Houghton is remembered for his unique music and the inspiration he brought to students and listeners alike.