Natalie Willians has won the 2018 Albert H Maggs Composition Award on the basis of her 2015 string octet Saudade. The Award consists of a commission to create a new musical work “of a substantial nature” and is worth approximately $7,000 for the creation of the piece, along with a performance subsidy of $3,000. It is open to any Australian composer who has been a continuous resident in Australia for at least two years before the closing of applications. A list of previous recipients and their commissioned work can be found on the Louise Hanson-Dyer Music Library’s Albert H Maggs Composition Award page.

Natalie Williams. Photograph © Megagraphics Photography

The judging panel described Williams’ Saudade as “a major work for string octet of convincing voice and energy” saying: “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.”

Speaking to Limelight, Williams says that winning the Award is...