Her Sound, Her Story: Building Community Through Music in the Wheatbelt
Over four months, Mirabilis Collective worked alongside the communities of Narrogin and Wagin to create seven original songs, build lasting connections, and celebrate women's stories through music. Discover the story behind Her Sound, Her Story.
Inside the Programme
Mirabilis Collective's Artistic Director Stephanie Nicholls goes behind the scenes of programming Hear Her Now Festival — fifteen events, one hundred works by women composers, four world premieres, and more music than she can fit in.
Listening, Remembering and Looking Ahead
As Mirabilis Collective closes 2025, Artistic Director Stephanie Nicholls reflects on a year shaped by listening, collaboration, and connection. This article traces the projects, partnerships, and conversations that defined the year, introduces our forthcoming FRINGE WORLD debut in 2026, and looks ahead to the longer arc of Hear Her Now — our debut chamber music festival dedicated to music written by women.
AusArt Day: Why This Matters for Every Australian Arts Organisation—Including Ours
As Mirabilis Collective prepares for Australia's inaugural AusArt Day on October 23rd, Artistic Director Stephanie Nicholls reflects on a fundamental question: How do we build and sustain arts organisations when the median music artist income is just $14,700 annually? This article explores the structural differences between Australian and American arts philanthropy, reflects on our journey from volunteer-run ensemble to registered charity, and explains why this collective moment matters for every organisation—and every Australian who values beauty, connection, and meaning in their lives.
In Conversation with Nicola Boud
Guest interview by Elena Wittkuhn — Mirabilis Collective cellist and creative contributor.
Historically Informed Performance (H.I.P.) clarinettist Nicola Boud sits down with Elena to explore the beauty of variability in performance, her journey from Perth to Europe, and her work on Musica Viva’s H.I.P. concert.
In Conversation with Jennifer Marten-Smith
Guest interview by Elena Wittkuhn — Mirabilis Collective cellist and creative contributor.
In this thoughtful conversation, Elena Wittkuhn speaks with pianist Jennifer Marten-Smith ahead of her Northern Lights national tour with violinist Johan Dalene for Musica Viva. Jennifer reflects on her early musical upbringing, her multifaceted career as soloist, accompanist, and répétiteur, and her approach to practice and collaboration. The interview also explores the upcoming program, featuring works by Lili Boulanger and Jack Frere, and offers a personal glimpse into the artistry behind this exciting national tour.
Uncovering Connie Converse: A Voice the World Almost Missed
Who was Connie Converse, and why does her music still echo so powerfully today? The delicate threads of her life and legacy are traced through the lens of Howard Fishman’s biography, the aching poetry of One by One, and the silence she left behind. It’s a story of loss, rediscovery, and the fragile brilliance of unheard women’s voices.
Sisters in Sync: 3-2-1 with Sharon Grigoryan
"Just be who you are, and that’s enough."
In this month's Sisters in Sync, we speak with the extraordinary cellist Sharon Grigoryan. A passionate chamber musician, Sharon is known for her outstanding tenure with the Australian String Quartet and her ongoing collaboration with her husband, the acclaimed guitarist Slava Grigoryan. Sharon shares her insights, inspirations, and valuable lessons learned throughout her remarkable career. From her admiration for violinist Wilma Smith to her empowering career moments and advice for aspiring young musicians, Sharon's journey and wisdom are truly inspiring.