18 November 2020
2020 Albert H. Maggs Award to Nigel Westlake
Image: Nigel Westlake Composer Nigel Westlake has won the 2020 Albert H. Maggs Composition Award with his String Quartet no. 3 Sacred Sky (2019). Presented annually by the University of Melbourne, the Maggs Award is provided as a commission to create a new musical work of a substantial nature. The value of the Award in 2020 is $15,000.
The panel commented:
'Nigel Westlake's 3rd string quartet Sacred Sky is a most worthy winner of the 2020 Albert H. Maggs Award, administered by the University of Melbourne. Westlake is a first-time winner of this prestigious award, joining a list which includes many celebrated names in the field of Australian composition. Sacred Sky is a substantial work with accomplished string quartet writing on every level. The work is not only technically impressive, it is soulful and rewarding to listen to as an artistic experience. The panel was completely convinced by the merit of the work and we look forward to seeing and hearing what Westlake writes in response to the award's commission for a new work.'
> You can watch and listen to the Australian String Quartet's recent recording of Sacred Sky on the ASQ's website.
> Previous recipients of the Albert H Maggs Award (AMC website)
© Australian Music Centre (2020) — Permission must be obtained from the AMC if you wish to reproduce this article either online or in print.
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