The compositions of Terry Riley and Michael Daugherty from the US, and Stuart Greenbaum from Melbourne are strong, invigorating, engaging and unique.
There are few composers who can be said to have altered the very course of music composition. Terry Riley is known as the father of minimalism, and is active in his explorations of music of non-Western cultures, particularly the music of north India.
This is Terry Riley's first visit to Australia. He will be active as a performer and composer, including a lecture/recital and performing in his seminal work, In C, with the New Music Now programme of the Australian Youth Orchestra.
Australian composer Stuart Greenbaum is active as a composer and teacher in Melbourne. Greenbaum's music presents a crossover between classical and popular styles - particularly jazz and minimalism. His music invokes an atmosphere influenced by, but apart from, the routine of modern life.
Stuart Greenbaum's works will be featured in most of the concerts in the 2006 Aurora Festival, and the composer will be in attendance.
Vibrant colours, exotic rhythms, an emotional engagement with the vernacular - these are all descriptions easily applied to the music of Michael Daugherty.
He is one of the most performed and most commissioned composers of his generation, and after listening to his energetic, impulsive, engaging music, it is not difficult to tell why.
Michael Daugherty's music will feature in many concerts in the 2006 Aurora Festival.
Presented by Aurora New Music and ABC Classic FM
in partnership with Campbelltown Arts Centre and Riverside Parramatta
with concerts broadcast on ABC Classic FM
