Image: Connor D'Netto
For 50 years, the Australian Music Centre has championed emerging
and mid-career artists, helping shape the rich and diverse sound
of Australian art music. This year's AusArt Day campaign celebrates that
legacy by sharing the stories of artists whose careers have been
transformed through the AMC's support.
One of those artists is Connor D'Netto, a performer, composer, producer,
and AMC represented artist. In this interview, Connor shares
insights into his artistic journey, the value of community, and
how the AMC has helped her bring bold new ideas to life.
Q. How did you find
out about AMC? When did you become a represented artist?
Connor: I first found out about the AMC when I
was an undergrad studying music - I'm pretty sure it was my
composition teacher of the time, Robert Davidson, who introduced
it to me and his other students during a seminar while discussing
how to get your music out there. I think I first applied for
representation when in my third-year. I remember feeling I had a
low chance of getting it, as I only just had enough
compositions/performances under my belt to meet the requirements
of the time. So when I found out I did, I was so surprised and
grateful, I immediately called John Davies (AMC's CEO at that
time) to thank him, I remember him seeming a little amused,
saying "well of course, you met the requirements, you get
representation" or something to that effect. But at the time, it
really meant the world to me to have representation while still
in my undergrad.
Q. How instrumental has AMC been in fostering your
career?
Connor: The AMC has been a really amazing
supporter of my career. It fosters community in the art music
world and between composers in a way that no other organisation
in Australia does - being a composer can be a fairly solitary
thing, especially once you leave the conservatoire, so having
something that connects composers with each other is wonderful
and vital. Of course, the AMC also connects us with the wider
industry, providing an amazing platform to showcase and sell our
works - I can't really think of a similar organisation in our
countries that, in lew of a composer having a publisher, acts as
a library and point of sale for composers. For me this has been
huge, I'm constantly delighted to get my statement each quarter
to see the scores of mine that have been purchased/rented, often
things I didn't know had any upcoming/planned performances! All
this has taken a massive administrative weight off my shoulders,
letting me focus on my practice rather than having to take time
away to setup an online store, emailing or printing/mailing parts
and scores to people, trying to advertise it all, etc.
Q. What opportunities and experiences have you been able
to explore as an AMC represented artist?
Connor: I've been lucky enough to have been
supported by a number of AMC's programs. Of course there's the
fantastic features and support of their library, which
sells/rents and distributes my work, the events calendar, which
helps promote events featuring my (and other Aussie) works, and
the online magazine and newsletter, through which I've been able
to share news of various projects and upcoming releases. But
besides these, I've been lucky enough to be supported by the
AMC's MOMENTUM Commissions, an incredible program directly
supporting the creation of new works - for me it provided that
first bit of funding needed to kick start the creation of my song
cycle Postcards. And since then, that work has gone on to become
a finalist in the 2025 Paul Lowin Prize, which is administered by
the AMC. Both are incredible, one an amazing and rare opportunity
for financial support for a dream project of mine, and the other
a huge honour, even just to be recognised as a finalist for such
a prestigious prize, to be amongst such an incredible list of
artists whom I admire.
Q. What are your hopes and goals for the future of your
art music career?
Connor: My hopes and goals for my artistic
career are both very down to earth, and perhaps a bit lofty. I
love what I get to do at the moment, the variety of projects I've
had the privilege to work on, and most importantly the wonderful
people I get to collaborate with - to be here, doing this, that's
already the dream, and I only hope that I can continue to do this
in the most sustainable way long term, perhaps maybe getting to
take my work abroad a little more. On the lofty side, I hope I
can be part of creating change and progress in our industry and
beyond, to make what we do more accessible to and representative
of the wider community, to advocate as best I can for the issues
I am passionate about, and to put into action the values I hold
central to me. I don't necessarily mean putting those things
directly into my art, but more importantly endeavoring to engage
with my work and the industry in a way that aligns with my
values, and to use the platform my work gives me to advocate for
those without that privilege. Doing that while maintaining a
sustainable career can at times prove difficult, but I truly
believe it's worth it, so it's certainly my hope and goal to find
that balance.
Support the future of
Australian music this AusArt Day
On Thursday 23 October
2025, join us for AusArt Day - Creative Australia's new national
giving day dedicated to the arts.
Your donation this AusArt Day will help us nurture the next
generation of Australian creatives keeping our music community
growing and flourishing for years to come.
Donate
NOW
Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
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