Emma Greenhill wins coveted Young Composer Award

Last modified on 11 April 2022

The national 2022 Young Composer Award — presented and performed by Willoughby Symphony Orchestra — has been awarded to Emma Greenhill for her enchanting composition titled Korrowall.

The only award of its kind in Australia, the Young Composer Award is a rare opportunity to compose for a full orchestra and have the winning work performed and recorded live, by the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra.

Made possible by its generous benefactor Mark Wakely in memory of Steven Alward, this prestigious award was created to be a springboard for a new generation of composers. In addition to $5,000 prize money, the recipient gains valuable experience refining their original score alongside a respected conductor and accomplished orchestra.

Emma Greenhill, a 26-year-old composer, arranger and violinist, expressed her immense gratitude and thrill in receiving the honour.

“I have written mostly small chamber and solo works so far in my career, so to have a Willoughby Symphony Orchestra performing my first ever orchestral work is an absolute dream. I can’t wait to hear it performed in the stunning Concert Hall at The Concourse in May,” Ms Greenhill said.

The world premiere performance of Korrowall will take place on Saturday 14 May at 7pm and Sunday 15 Sunday, 2022 at 2pm during the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra Songs of Destiny concert, under the baton of acclaimed conductor, Dr Sarah Penicka-Smith.

Ms Greenhill drew inspiration from First Australians and the stunning landscapes of the Blue Mountains where she lives. “As I sat with wine in hand watching birds dance and the sun set over an enormous valley, I felt strangely at peace with a sense that I was part of something much bigger and more important than myself, life,” Ms Greenhill said.

“I have somehow tried to replicate this feeling, the bird calls, the beauty and the terrifying enormity of the landscape, into this piece. I hope it conveys the importance of preserving our natural Australian landscape and these sacred places we are so fortunate to venture into.”

The national Young Composer Award contest is hosted by Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and supported by Willoughby City Council.

It is open each year to Australian composers, aged under 30 years with a new, original composition.

Tickets to the Songs of Destiny performance are on sale now at theconcourse.com.au.