The TSO is delighted to announce the appointment of Sydney-based composer Holly Harrison to the new position of ACS Composer in Residence, for 2020-2021.
Over the 2-year period Holly will compose five works for a variety of TSO ensembles including two works for full orchestra, which will be premiered by the TSO under the baton of Chief Conductor and Artistic Director Eivind Aadland.
This role has been created as an extension of the nationally recognized TSO Australian Composers’ School (ACS) program, which continues with workshops taking place in 2022 and 2023 and applications opening later this year.
Holly was a participant in the 2018/2019 ACS program. Her work Frumious (2013) featured on the Australian Youth Orchestra 2019 international tour to Germany and China.
Holly’s compositions, largely for smaller ensembles, have been recognized with numerous prizes and awards both in Australia and internationally. With this appointment Holly is looking forward to further developing her orchestral portfolio.
Holly says, ‘I’m absolutely delighted – I never imagined that I might have an appointment with an orchestra in this capacity, and I’m especially delighted that it is with the TSO. I’ve been in Hobart the last couple of years and I’m very comfortable with the orchestra, having built rapport with the musicians, with Associate Conductor Elena Schwarz and with the team. I’m looking forward to expanding my orchestration skills and developing works in larger forms, culminating in a longer work for a main series concert. I’m also really looking forward to the opportunity to create works for different sized ensembles and settings.’
The TSO is Australia’s leader in the training of orchestral composers and conductors through the Australian Composers’ School and the Australian Conducting Academy.