Editor:
BRAVO!
Directors of the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Performing Arts introduced two new music awards this year, drawing attention to Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC): “BIPOC Composer/Author” and “Best Performance of an Indigenous Tune.”
The inclusion of these new awards are key steps in reconciliation and recognition, and underscore the routine absence of diversity – especially in popular classical music. What do Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Handel, Strauss and Schumann all have in common?
This year the audience was exposed to new music as performers introduced their pieces with bios/ backgrounds of their chosen BIPOC composers.
I noticed many eyebrows raised in interest and appreciation: Black adjudicator John “Adidam” Littlejohn said, “…I’m so thrilled to hear this piece!” Prize money was donated by Serena Eades Academy of Music.
Encore!
Louise Herle, SCFPA Volunteer
Xwesam