Eight women composers from around the country will write music responding to their experiences of the recent bushfires for Muses Trio. Five emerging Indigenous composers will draw on their perspectives of 250 years of European cultural heritage in new works inspired by, and incorporating, an historic square piano dating from around 1770. Emerging Adelaide composer Dylan Crismani will compose a two-movement work using the remarkable timbres of Australia’s first Cristal Baschet (built by the composer) – a contemporary multi-timbre percussion instrument related to the glass harmonica.

Ywaalaraay woman Nardi Simpson is one of the composers to have received a grant from the ABC’s new Australian Music Fund. Photograph © ABC Classic, Matthew Lorenzon

These new compositions are part of the 25 Australian works commissioned by ABC Classic and ABC Jazz to help safeguard local creative and content, which has taken a hammering during the COVID-19 crisis.

The successful applicants will receive $6,000 to cover writing and recording, a studio session at the ABC, airplay for the complete recording on ABC Classic or ABC Jazz, and a commercial digital release of the work via ABC Classic.

The 25 works – 17 for ABC Classic and eight...