🇦🇺 Exploring Australian Viola Repertoire: A Guide for Performers and Teachers
Australia’s contributions to the world of classical music are dynamic, diverse, and deeply rooted in place and community. For violists, the growing body of work by Australian composers offers not only technical and artistic depth, but also a meaningful opportunity to support homegrown artistry. Whether you’re a student, professional, teacher, or curious listener, this guide introduces you to a wide array of solo and accompanied viola works by Australian composers—and explores why engaging with them is so important.
Why Support Australian Composers?
Supporting Australian composers isn’t just about patriotism—it’s about investing in a thriving musical culture that reflects our lived experiences, landscapes, and stories. When we perform or program Australian music, we:
Amplify Local Voices: Many Australian works explore uniquely Australian themes—geography, mythology, culture, and identity.
Expand Repertoire: By embracing modern and lesser-known works, musicians diversify their programs and explore new expressive terrain.
Inspire the Next Generation: Encouraging students to engage with music written in their lifetime, and in their country, makes music more relevant and accessible.
Sustain Creative Industries: Every performance, recording, and commission helps keep Australia’s artistic ecosystem vibrant.
🎻 Australian Works for Solo Viola
These works highlight the expressive range of the viola, from meditative soliloquies to virtuosic displays:
Brett Dean – Viola Concerto (2004)
Elliott Gyger – Solitaire (2005)
Larry Sitsky – Two Pieces for Solo Viola (2006–2007)
Angus Davison – Garden Suite (2019)
Mark Isaacs – Aftermath (2018)
Katia Tiutiunnik – Dumuzi's Embrace (2018)
Colin Spiers – Soliloquy (1996)
Gordon Kerry – Antiphon (2000)
Adrian Hallam – Legend (2017)
Bruce Lawrence – Viola Sonata (2005)
Emma Greenhill – The Night Train (2021)
Alex Turley – Nowhere In Particular (2021, with electronics)
Andrew Ford – Swansong (1987)
Lee Bradshaw – Invisible Dance (2019)
Margaret Brandman – Dance of Life (arr. 2023)
Andrew Schultz – Soliloquy (1996)
Ann Carr-Boyd – Jucaro Rhumba d'Amor (arr. 2020)
Betty Beath – Still Life (2018)
Brennan Keats – Melancholy (2017)
These works vary in difficulty and style, offering something for every level of violist—from students to professionals.
🎹 Australian Works for Viola and Piano
These accompanied pieces offer rich opportunities for musical dialogue and are ideal for recital settings or advanced students:
Lee Bradshaw – Invisible Dance (also available in solo version)
Andrew Ford – Swansong (also performed with piano)
Mark Isaacs – Melody for Andrew (2018)
John Wayne Dixon – Melancholy (2017)
Margaret Brandman – Dance of Life (2023 arrangement for viola & piano)
Ann Carr-Boyd – Jucaro Rhumba d'Amor (2020)
Betty Beath – Still Life (2018)
Bruce Lawrence – Viola Sonata (2005)
📘 Where to Find This Music
If you’d like to explore or purchase this repertoire, these resources are invaluable:
Australian Music Centre – A comprehensive repository of Australian compositions with search filters for instrument, level, and ensemble.
Australian Composers – A publisher and online store focusing on contemporary Australian works.
Mr Charles’ Viola Repertoire – A useful list of viola repertoire curated for students and educators.
💠Final Thoughts
Australian viola repertoire is more than just a catalogue of works—it’s a conversation between past and present, place and performer. It invites us to hear stories written in the same language we speak, shaped by the same environment we inhabit. Whether you're preparing for a performance, planning a curriculum, or simply expanding your repertoire, consider choosing an Australian piece—it will challenge, inspire, and connect you more deeply to your community.
🎶 For players in the Illawarra region, exploring Australian works can be beautifully complemented by participating in local ensembles like Killalea Strings—where community, creativity, and contemporary music come together.
