Perth composer Dr Mace Francis, long time advocate for Big Band composition and outstanding contributor to Western Australia’s jazz scene was named the inaugural Western Australian Prelude Composer in Residence 2017 by the National Trust of Western Australia on 9 November.
Dr Francis said he was honoured by the gift of the residency which provides the creative sanctuary of National Trust property Gallop House in Dalkeith over twelve months.
“There were not many opportunities in the world like this and it’s a thrill to have the craft of composition respected through the resources and restoration demonstrated at Gallop House,” Dr Francis said.
National Trust of Western Australia CEO Julian Donaldson said Prelude is an innovative national initiative providing space and time to Australian composers to produce work by offering twelve month residencies in historic houses around Australia.
“This is the inaugural opportunity in Western Australia for a twelve month residency and the National Trust is delighted to support the creative process of one of our state’s most talented composers at one of the National Trust’s inspirational locations,” Mr Donaldson said.
“Gallop House is a 1870s house that underwent an extraordinary transformation this year thanks to funding from the Feilman Foundation to become a unique creative haven with extraordinary river views,” he said.
Dr Francis believes the location will influence his work and life over the next year as he focuses on a new extensive composition for the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra as well as collaborative opportunities with local, national and international peers.
The Prelude Composer in Residence program is made possible with the collaboration between the Peggy-Glanville Hicks Composers Trust, National Trust of Western Australia, and Bundanon Trust. The program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Communications and the Arts’ Catalyst Program and APRA.
For more information contact National Trust of Western Australia Communication & Interpretation Officer Gina Pickering on 9321 6088 or 0408 58 4404.
