Resonate Magazine | Australian Music Centre

Image: Michael Grebla  

We extend our congratulations to AMC Associate Artist Michael Grebla on receiving the 2024 Spectrum Chamber Music Composition Award.

Hailing from Western Australia and now based in New York City, Michael's work Piano Trio No. 1: In Search of Peace was awarded first prize in the international composition competition.

Of his winning composition, Michael wrote, ""It brought me joy and hope, each day, sitting in my little East Harlem apartment creating this piece of music for friends back home despite the rapid, everchanging realities and circumstances of the time. I strive for authenticity in what I write, where the music speaks for itself, and this often means the music reflects the state of mind of the composer. I think in this case, you'll hear a composer's search for the good."

The Spectrum Composition Award is the second accolade for the piano trio, which was also selected from over 600 entries as the winning work of the CreArtMusic Call for Scores in 2023.

Piano Trio No. 1: In Search of Peace was written in 2021, commissioned and premiered by the Melbourne Chamber Players. The commission was enabled through crowdfunding efforts with the support of the Australian Cultural Fund and Creative Australia's Match Lab project.

As part of the 2024 Spectrum Chamber Music Composition Award, the work will receive its North American premiere later this year, performed by members for the Spectrum Chamber Music Society. The group presents outstanding chamber music performances, and feature musicians of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, as well as artists throughout North Texas and beyond.

Good news is coming for those eager to listen to the work. The Melbourne Chamber Players have recorded the piano trio at ABC Studios Melbourne, due for release later in 2024.

Visit Michael Grebla's website to read more about the work: https://www.michaelgrebla.com/portfolio/piano-trio-no-1/