Nigel Westlake : Represented Artist
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Random Audio Sample: Antarctica : suite for guitar & orchestra by Nigel Westlake, from the CD Shadow dances |
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Photo: Simon Westlake
Artist website: http://www.rimshot.com.au
Artist website: http://www.smugglersoflight.com
Nigel Westlake's career in music spans over 5 decades.
Having trained as a clarinettist, he was a core member of the Australia Ensemble from 1987 to 1992.
He began composing in 1980, working across radio, theatre, circus, television and film. His film credits include Babe, Blueback, Paper Planes, Miss Potter, Children of the Revolution and many others. Television credits include documentaries, telemovies and news themes.
His compositions have earned numerous accolades including two ARIA Awards, 15 APRA awards, the 2022 APRA Distinguished Services to the Australian Screen Award, the Gold Medal for Best Original Music at the New York International Radio Festival, the Albert H. Maggs Composition Award and the Paul Lowin Orchestral Prize (in 2013 and 2019).
He has conducted all the major Australian symphony orchestras, as well as the New York Philharmonic and RTE Symphony (Ireland) and holds an honorary doctorate in music from the University of New South Wales.
He is represented by Maggie Rodford Air-Edel (London).
Nigel Westlake — current to November 2025
Teacher/Influence on
Michael Kieran Harvey (1984 - current)
Awards & Prizes
| Year | Award | Placing | Awarded for |
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| 2020 | Albert H Maggs Composition Award | First Prize | Sacred Sky |
| 2019 | Paul Lowin Orchestral Prize | Winner | Spirit of the Wild |
| 2017 | FCCA Awards | Finalist | Ali's Wedding |
| 2014 | Art Music Awards: Work of the Year: Orchestral | Finalist | Compassion |
| 2013 | Paul Lowin Orchestral Prize | Winner | Missa Solis - Requiem for Eli |
| 2012 | Art Music Awards: Work of the Year: Orchestral | Winner | Missa Solis - Requiem for Eli |
| 2005 | Classical Music Awards - Instrumental Work of the Year | Winner | Six fish |
| 1998 | Jean Bogan Prize for Piano Composition | Winner | Piano sonata |
Selected Commissions
| Work | Commission Details | |
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| Three pieces for Oboe and Piano : oboe with piano (2025) | Commissioned by Ukaria for Diana Doherty and is dedicated to her with love and admiration. It was made possible through the generosity of commissioning partners Gillian Eldershaw and Andrew and Renata Kaldor. | |
| Ascension : full orchestra (2024) | Commissioned by the Australian Chamber Orchestra for the ACO’s 50th anniversary celebrations. | |
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Ngapa William Cooper : a song cycle for two voices and ensemble (2023) | Commissioned by Ulrike Klein AO and Adelaide Festival, in association with UKARIA and Finding Our Voice, with support from the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund – an Australian Government initiative. |
| Psyche : Concerto for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra (2023) | Commissioned by Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra. | |
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Toward Takayna : Concerto for 2 guitars (2021) | funding provided by Andrew & Renata Kaldor and the Albert H. Maggs Composition Award |
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Sacred Sky : String Quartet no. 3 (2019) | Commissioned with generous support from Carl Wood and Don and Veronica Aldridge |
Analysis & Media
Kit: Out of the blue : music resource kit / devised by Kim Waldock.
eBook: Out of the blue : music resource kit [eKit] / devised by Kim Waldock.
- Article: Interesting display of contemporary work
- Article: Dawn of a new world symphony
- Document: Harbour Noise is a Fatal Distraction
- Video: Missa Solis Requiem for Eli
- Video: Ali's Wedding - Behind the scenes with Nigel Westlake and the Sydney Symphony