Research Background:

This research involved the selection, preparation, rehearsal, workshopping and world premiere performance of a new work for Cello and Piano by Australian composer Connor Fogarty, entitled “Pygmalion and Galatea”. The work was unanimously selected as winner of the 2020 Accompanists’ Guild of South Australia Composition Award by adjudicators Umberto Clerici (piano) and Daniel de Borah (piano), who subsequently workshopped the composition with the composer before presenting a public performance.

Research Contribution:

The research represents an important new addition to the contemporary Australian classical cello & piano repertoire. Inspired by the Ancient Greek myth of Pygmalion and Galatea, Fogarty’s work explores themes of love, yearning and animation, exploiting the possibilities of the cello/piano duo through innovative textural and harmonic devices built upon the pervading idea of a rising sixth. By supporting the AGSA Composition Award, engaging with the work of budding Australian composers and providing a public platform for the winning entrant, the research also serves to promote the long-term advancement of Australian art music culture.

Research Significance

The work was publicly workshopped with the composer at the AGSA Conference on 12 June 2021 (see video link) and premiered in a public performance at Elder Hall (Adelaide) on 13 June 2021. The performance was recorded and disseminated by 5MBS Radio (see audio link).

Rehearsal Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15U3-NODcR7yovxO0VvPbkCcIbfJYbAJt/view

Performance Audio: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kkTsrTUpJpnmYDQkcaESamf4oTzXI3kf/view

AGSA Festival Flyer: https://accompanist.org.au/2021-festival-of-collaborative-artists/