Celebrating a Year of Growth and Impact with Mirabilis Collective
As we approach the end of 2023, it's a time to pause and reflect on the incredible journey we've embarked upon with Mirabilis Collective. Our inaugural year has been marked by groundbreaking achievements, meaningful collaborations, and a steadfast commitment to elevating women's voices in music.
Hear Me, Hear My Name: A Bold Beginning
Our year commenced with a creative development and performance of Hear Me, Hear My Name, which we presented to industry peers in March at Ross Memorial Church. This project set a powerful precedent for our year, enabling us to trial a programme as a new ensemble and receive valuable feedback from our invited colleagues. We also performed a world premiere on the eve of International Women's Day — our commissioned work, Her Time, composed by the exceptionally talented West Australian composer Emily Gelineau with poetry by Lang Leav. It was exciting to perform Her Time as both a new composition and a bold statement of our mission and vision.
Performances at Wesley and Ross Memorial Churches
Later in March we gave our first public performance for the Wesley at One recital series. A huge thank you to Uniting Church in the City and Musical Director Angela Currie for their support to help get Mirabilis Collective up and running. We presented a second concert for UCIC later in August back at Ross Memorial. It was wonderful to connect with our audience, creating a shared experience of emotional depth and artistic expression.
Empowering Our Vision: The Fundraising Campaign
Our aspirations were bolstered by the support of our patrons through the Australia Cultural Fund. This campaign was crucial in transforming our artistic ambitions into memorable experiences for our audience.
Bridging Education and Creativity
Uniting educational excellence with artistic expression, Mirabilis Collective's partnerships with the University of Western Australia and local Perth schools have marked a significant chapter in our year. We had the pleasure of including two UWA piano students in our Verses in Velvet concert. For our year-end performance, The Ties That Bind, we welcomed two students from Methodist Ladies College. These collaborations not only enriched our performances but also highlighted our commitment to supporting emerging talent and blending education with the arts.
Her Voice Resounds
Our debut concert season, Her Voice Resounds, comprising performances in August and September at Wigmore Studio, and December at Wesley Church, was a highlight of our year. Each concert was a unique showcase of the richness and diversity of women's contributions to music featuring women from multiple generations playing genre-defying repertoire.
Albany's Harbourside Series
In Albany, our performance for the Harbourside series stood out as a significant achievement in 2023. This concert was an impactful experience where our music deeply resonated with the audience. Marking our first performance in regional Western Australia, it underscored our commitment to bringing the compositions of women to a broader audience, beyond the metropolitan area. This step aligns with Mirabilis Collective's core mission: to share and celebrate the work of women composers across diverse communities.
Illuminate: Our 2024 Season
Looking ahead to 2024, we are thrilled to announce our upcoming season, Illuminate, featuring four concerts: Shimmer, Luminous, Glow, and Shine. Each concert in this series is designed to showcase the brilliance and diversity of women's music, creating a tapestry of sound that enlightens and inspires. Tickets are now available for all concerts, with discounts offered for season tickets. Secure your seats and be part of this enlightening journey at Mirabilis Collective Performances.
Reflecting on Our Achievements
Reflecting on this year, I'm drawn to the words of Bonnie Raitt: "If you stick to your integrity and your goals, eventually somebody will appreciate what you are doing on a wider scale." This year, Mirabilis Collective has truly embodied this principle. We've focused on our core values, achieving a significant impact through our dedication and purpose. Our efforts have highlighted the strength, resilience, and creativity of women in music, creating meaningful connections with our audience.
Looking Ahead with Purpose
As we turn our gaze to the new year, Mirabilis Collective embarks on the next chapter with renewed energy and clear focus. In 2024, our commitment deepens to create music that not only resonates but also makes a lasting impact. We're dedicated to sharing narratives that engage and inspire, while continuing to highlight the voices of women composers, whose contributions are often underrepresented. This journey ahead is not just about making music; it's about nurturing a richer, more inclusive musical landscape.
Your support and enthusiasm have been crucial in shaping Mirabilis Collective's journey. It's your participation that elevates us beyond a musical ensemble to a vibrant, community-driven initiative.
We're truly thankful for your presence in our remarkable 2023. As we enter 2024, we're filled with excitement for the new milestones, partnerships, and moments of inspiration that lie ahead. Thank you for being an essential part of our story. Together, let's step into the new year ready for the wonderful experiences it will bring.