CERIDWEN MCCOOEY Too Late for Dancing

A note from FQ: “Too late for Dancing shows great effectiveness in its writing with some unique musical ideas and an innate understanding of voicing. We weren't surprised to find out that Ceridwen is a cellist herself!”

When Ceridwen was nine, she decided to play the cello after being told she was too small for double bass. She began writing for cello whilst attending the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School where she investigated the practice of improvisation in cello repertoire. She was lucky enough to be selected for the Melbourne Recital Centres’ three year scholarship program Accelerando, an opportunity Ceridwen feels shaped her love of contemporary music performance. In 2019 Ceridwen was awarded the Kate Flowers Memorial Scholarship through the University of Melbourne for a performance demonstrating the relationship between cello and looper. She was awarded the Allan Zavod Performers award for her performance of an original composition also for solo cello and looper called The Conference of the Birds. This work became Ceridwen's debut Album which was released in early 2021 with New York based label Rhodium. In 2020 Ceridwen was commissioned by Arts Centre Melbourne to write a work as part of Memory: 5x5x5 and most recently she participated in a mentorship program with the Australian Art Orchestra. Ceridwen hopes to continue her studies at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music in her Honours year and is also looking into a masters in composition abroad.

HANA LAVERS Teeth

A note from FQ: “Teeth highlights an intricate interplay of parts, instrumental conversation and a satisfying structure. Rhythmical and intense, the culminating beauty in the final seconds is very intelligent in its writing."

"I am a Sydney-based Japanese Australian Composer, with interests in the dramatic and emotional works the late 19th century, and the use of harmony in contemporary classical pieces. I started learning the piano from around 4 or 5, and I learnt the fundamentals of piano and musical language quite early in my life (with much MUCH assistance and perseverance from mum (thanks mum)). After having a mid-life musical crisis at the tender age of 14, I dramatically quit my piano lessons, and within a year came back to music myself with a personally driven passion for not only playing, but for composing. With much help from amazing talented people and the unwavering support and patience from my parents, I am currently finishing up my composition degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Special thanks to Carl Vine who (though with love) harshly mentored me last year, and without him my string quartet would be rubbish." - Hana Lavers

EUGENE BALL  
Kaleidoscope

A note from FQ: “Kaleidoscope required a trip to the newsagent for Blu Tack, aluminium foil and paper clips. Sometimes extended techniques are an end in themselves but Eugene Ball has always kept the musical soundscape and intention at the heart of this composition. The overall effect is actually incredibly beautiful."

As one of Australia’s most active and versatile trumpet players, Eugene has toured nationally and internationally with some of Australia’s most highly acclaimed groups, including The Hoodangers, the Andrea Keller Quartet, Vince Jones, the Allan Browne Quintet, the Australian Art Orchestra, the Black Arm Band, the Bamboos, You and I, and Dan Sultan.   

As well as being a sought after performer, Eugene is a prolific and accomplished composer and arranger whose work has featured on countless recordings and television and film productions, including projects for the Black Arm Band, Kate Ceberano, Eddie Perfect, Ali McGregor, Cezary Skubiszewski, Cornel Wilczek, and Paul Grabowsky.

Eugene has received commissions from the Australia Council for the Arts; The Australian Art Orchestra; Monash and Melbourne Universities; Blackburn, Eltham and Balwyn High Schools; The Melbourne Festival; the Four Winds Festival; and the West End Composers’ Collective. 

In addition to performing and writing, Eugene currently lectures in the Bachelor of Music, Melbourne Polytechnic, and is Artistic Co-Director of the esteemed Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues.