Plague, Pestilence And Polyphony: Musical Responses To Medical Catastrophes In The Middle Ages And Renaissance

Denis Collins presents a selection of works that that were composed in response to regular medical calamities that afflicted Europe from the arrival of the Black Death in 1347 to the Great Plague of Milan in 1576. The selection of compositions reveals how music could provide solace to listeners alongside a sense of hope and determination for community recovery and renewal. Many settings convey the personal tragedies of witnesses and survivors of plagues while other works reflect upon themes of changing fortune and the capriciousness of fate.

Plague, Pestilence, and Polyphony - Denis Collins

The School of Music presented a special concert that honoured the accomplishments of female composers. A student-led initiative, this performance featured chamber and solo works by female composers, performed by students from The University of Queensland’s School of Music. The program celebrated the works and lives of composers from Clara Schumann, Louise Farrenc, Amy Beach, Ethel Smyth, Sally Greenaway, to current and rising composers from within the UQ School of Music

The March Of The Women by Ethel Smyth

An Gàëlic Tiodhlac (A Gaelic Offering, movements i and ii) By Catherine McMichael

Poems II and III by Sally Greenway

Romanze Op. 21, No. 1 By Clara Schumann

Trio For Piano, Flute And Cello Op. 45 (movements i and iii) by Louise Farrenc

Threat Suite (movement i) by Winter Scott

Theme And Variations For Flute And String Quartet, Op. 80 By Amy Beach

Centre For Two Violas By Sophia Mackson

The House That Jack Built By Mel Orriss

La Danse By Frédéric Chopin, Arr. Pauline Viardot

Brownhill Creek In Spring By Miriam Hyde

This performance featured the finalists of the 2024 4MBS Musica Viva Sid Page Memorial Prize in Chamber Music. These student ensembles from the UQ School of Music worked tirelessly to present an afternoon of exceptional chamber music, and we are thrilled to share their artistry with you.

The Sid Page Prize, established in 1988 in memory of Sidney B. Page, continues to support young musicians in their chamber music pursuits. Sidney Page, a passionate supporter of the arts, was Deputy Librarian at The University of Queensland and later Librarian at Griffith University. He was also a founding member of the Music Broadcasting Society of Queensland and served on UQ’s Music Faculty Board until his passing in 1987. This prize is a lasting tribute to his dedication to both the music community and libraries in Queensland.

Track 1 – Jackfruit Quintet
Overture to Candide by Leonard Bernstein
Arranged for flute by Mel Orriss 

Track 2 – Aura Ensemble
Rain in the Mountains by Aarya Dath
Text adapted from Henry Lawson

Track 3 – Jacaranda Flute Collective
Ski-Symphony by Faustin Jeanjean

Track 4 – Lilac Trio
Piano trio no 1 in D minor, i. Molto allegro ed agitato by Felix Mendelssohn

4mbs sid page concert - Jacaranda Flute Collective – Ski-Symphony by Faustin Jeanjean

4mbs sid page concert - Jackfruit Quintet – Overture to Candide by Leonard Bernstein

4mbs sid page concert – Lilac Trio – Piano trio no 1 in D minor, i. Molto allegro ed agitato by Felix Mendelssohn

4mbs sid page concert - Aura Ensemble – Rain in the Mountains by Aarya Dath

The UQ School of Music is about creating leaders in Music in performance, composition, and research. Our courses are inspiring and are lead by nationally and internationally acclaimed music professionals. At UQ your learning experience will be enriched by first class services and facilities and exciting research and international study opportunities.

The University of Queensland enjoys a long tradition of success and is a great destination for music students. A vibrant student life, stunning campus, exceptional study opportunities and inspirational staff and students provide a memorable experience for any student. The University has a focus on engagement, while its ground-breaking research and culture of excellence put it in the ranks of the world's best universities.

Graduates have gained positions with major orchestras and ensembles and pursued their own award-winning solo careers. Some work with up and coming musicians in education settings, while others use music as a therapeutic tool in the health sector.

The School engages with its community through a regular concert series, with performances from staff and student ensembles, as well as high profile guests. UQ Music also arranges seminars and conferences to present and discuss the latest discoveries in music research.

UQ School of Music

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