Resonate Magazine | Australian Music Centre

Image: John Carmichael  

UK-based pianist and composer John Carmichael OAM celebrates his 90th birthday on 5 October 2020. A composer of much loved and frequently performed works such as Phoenix: Concerto for Flute and Orchestra (premiered and recorded by James Galway); A Little Night Music and Thredbo Suite (both for flute & piano) and Latin American Suite for piano 4 hands, Carmichael has maintained active connections with Australia despite being based in Europe for most of his professional life.

To celebrate Carmichael's 90th, 3MBS Fine Music Melbourne will dedicate to him the first episode of a new podcast series Musicmakers. The 40-minute interview, conducted by Teddy Darling, will contain anecdotes about Carmichael's collaborations and friendships, discussion of his music and his pioneering work in music therapy, and even a few adventures from his youth. The Musicmakers series will continue with other established and emerging Australian musicians - you can find the podcasts online via Spotify, Apple podcasts and other podcast apps. The first episode will be released on Carmichael's birthday, on 5 October.

Following the podcast, John Carmichael and his music will feature in a broadcast on 3MBS Fine Music at 6pm on Sunday 11 October. The Melbourne in Concert program will feature Carmichael's works (Piano Concerto No.2, Concierto Folklorico, Sea Changes, Latin American Dances) - it will be broadcast on 103.5 FM, on digital 3MBS Fine Music Melbourne, and streamed online at 3mbs.org.au.

John Carmichael continues to compose, and has recently completed a piano trio Towards the Light. The premiere of this new work has been postponed due to the COVID pandemic, and is expected to take place in 2021 in the UK. The Australian premiere, scheduled for last April, of the wind octet On the Green has also been postponed. A performance for Concierto Folklorico is in the planning for Berlin next February.

The AMC's Board and staff would like to extend our warmest birthday greetings to John, and thank him for his steadfast support of our work over many years!

> John Carmichael - AMC profile