Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Event Details

Since 2016, Flinders Quartet (FQ) has been collaborating with emerging composers through its annual composer development program. This initiative involved the exploration, recording, and live presentation of original pieces by up-and-coming composers. FQ has now split the program into two streams of the program: ‘Ascend’ aimed at composers on the brink of a stellar career and needing development time with professional musicians; and 'Emerge' which provides budding composers with a unique opportunity for year-long engagement with FQ, delving into the intricacies of string quartet composition through score study and immersive learning.

Throughout this year’s Emerge program, the six participating composers have each crafted a 5-6 minute composition for a string quartet. FQ is excited to showcase the premiere performances of these works in February 2024, as it continues its commitment to nurturing and promoting the talents of emerging composers.

“It has been a great learning experience for me to delve into the masterworks of the string quartet canon through the lens of a composer. Who would have thought that sitting around talking about scores for hours on end would be such fun?! Each composer participating in this year’s Emerge program has brought something unique and the group discussions have been incredibly illuminating. One of the most heartwarming elements of the program is the way the composers have supported each other, making suggestions and celebrating the great talent we have unearthed. These composers are set for big things - we’re just thrilled to be part of their compositional evolution.”
Zoe Knighton, Artistic Director and cellist

“... fantastic, engaging and felt like we could really draw on Zoe's wisdom and experience (but I still felt like I was learning from my peers).” 2023 Emerge composer

This year’s Emerge composers and their works are:
Ian Whitney - “Enfilade”
Hao Zhen - “Not Fish”
Pat Jaffe - “First Fall”
Jonathan Mui - “Absolute Continuity”
Huangkai (Kaykay) Lai - String Quartet
Lisa Cheney - A yet-to-be-titled work in three movements:
i. So Many Clocks and Not Enough Time
ii. A Breath
iii. Flicker, Flicker, Ash

FQ is thrilled to premiere these newly crafted compositions to both a live audience and viewers tuning in via live stream (approx 60 min concert program, no interval).

Further information for this event is available online at the event's website

Featured Australian Works

Featured artists

• New work by Lisa Cheney
• New work by Hao Zheng
• New work by Pat Jaffe
• New work by Jonathan Mui
• New work by Huangkai (Kaykay) Lai
• New work by Ian Whitney
• Performer Flinders Quartet