Natalie Williams wins the 2018 Albert H Maggs Composition Award

Composer Natalie Williams has been awarded the 2018 Albert H Maggs Composition Award for her string octet Saudade.

Open to applications annually through the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at the University of Melbourne, the Albert H Maggs Composition Award provides an Australian composer funding to create a new musical work of a substantial nature.

The judging panel for 2018 included Professor Stuart Greenbaum, Dr Katy Abbott, Dr Miriama Young (University of Melbourne) and Dr Paul Stanhope (University of Sydney). Speaking about the winning entry, the panel said:

“Saudade, by Natalie Williams is a major work for string octet of convincing voice and energy. Right from the arresting opening, the work shows strong harmonic and rhythmic control over engaging material. It is finely crafted for string octet, a combination that Williams beautifully brings to life. The panel looks forward to hearing the new work that she will write as part of the Albert H Maggs commission.”

Natalie Williams is a multi-award-winning composer who has received critical acclaim for her orchestral works. Her music has been toured throughout Australia, Europe and the United States. She holds a doctorate from Jacobs School of Music at The Indiana University.

The Albert H Maggs Composition Award offers a $7,000 commission to write a new work with a performance subsidy of $3,000 and is open to all Australian composers. Visit the scholarship page for information about how to apply.