The School of Music is proud to announce that James Ledger, a lecturer in composition studies, won a 2011 Art Music Award for his orchestral piece "Chronicles" in the category of "Work of the Year:  Orchestral".  

The award, presented by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) and the Australian Music Centre (AMC) was announced last night in Sydney at the 2011 Art Music Awards.  The new look awards have recently been revamped to reflect the changes in the landscape of contemporary Australian music.

James piece, "Chronicles" first performed in 2009 by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra combines two parts, the first part subtitled 'In Clouds', moves in muted tones and colours, and for the most part is extremely quiet. Towards the end, there is a climax in the whole orchestra reflecting the sun emerging from behind clouds. The second part, 'Here Comes the Dawn', begins with a statue motive in the brass, piano and percussion, that slowly starts to 'melt'. The same motive begins to lose its precise edges on each hearing, this gives way to a moto perpetuo that culminates with a climax of the now melted statue figure.

James combines his composing with lecturing in composition studies and has been with the School of Music for six years.  The School of Music congratulates James on his success.

Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs) (+61 8) 6488 5563 / (+61 4) 32 637 716

Danielle Loiseau, Administrative Officer (School of Music) (61 +8) 6488 3994 (Monday - Wednesday)

Pip White, Administrative Officer (School of Music) (+61 8) 6488 7835 (Thursday & Friday)