Based in Sydney, and now launching its third concert series, the Australian ensemble HALCYON is emerging as a dynamic force for the promotion of new and recent chamber music for voice. 

HALCYON directors Alison Morgan (soprano) and Jenny Duck-Chong (mezzo soprano) are both successful Australian solo artists, with a shared commitment to contemporary classical music. They are joined in HALCYON performances by some of Australia's most esteemed chamber soloists, conductors and singers.

There is a vast amount of new repertoire composed for voice and chamber ensemble world wide, most of it receiving little or no performance opportunities in Australia. HALCYON is committed to unearthing these neglected musical gems of the twentieth century and beyond with sophisticated performances of contemporary music including international and Australian premieres. Through the commissioning of new works, HALCYON also provides Australian composers with exciting opportunities for promotion and performance of their important contribution to the repertoire.

Every year HALCYON presents a range of new music, from works for one or two instruments to large-scale compositions. In 2003, the ensemble performed two major international compositions by Harrison Birtwistle and James Macmillan, alongside a new commission for two voices and small ensemble by young Australian composer Jane Stanley. The 2004 Concert Series features newly commissioned works by Australian composers Graham Hair, John Peterson, Rosalind Page and Dan Walker and international compositions by George Crumb, Kaija Saariaho, Earl Kim and Gabriel Erkoreka.

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