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.
Women’s Voices Reshape Classical Music: A Closer Look at the 2025 Grammy Awards
2025’s GRAMMY Awards marked a turning point for women in classical music, celebrating artists who are reshaping the genre and amplifying voices long overlooked. This year’s winners—Gabriela Ortiz, Karen Slack, Michelle Cann, Caroline Shaw, Kaija Saariaho, and Elaine Martone—demonstrated that classical music can honour tradition while embracing innovation and contemporary relevance.
From Ortiz’s Revolución Diamantina, a powerful orchestral work inspired by feminist movements in Mexico, to Slack and Cann’s Beyond the Years, which revives the unpublished songs of Florence Price, these projects highlight how classical music continues to evolve. Caroline Shaw and Sō Percussion redefined chamber music with Rectangles and Circumstance, while the late Kaija Saariaho’s Adriana Mater earned a posthumous GRAMMY, cementing her legacy as a visionary composer. Producer Elaine Martone’s historic win further underscored the impact of women behind the scenes, shaping the sound of today’s classical music landscape.
These awards reflect more than individual success—they signal a shift towards a more inclusive, dynamic, and socially engaged future for classical music. Read the full article to explore how these groundbreaking women are redefining the genre for the 21st century.
Sisters in Sync: 3-2-1 with Sally Whitwell
"Finding the right collaborators is absolutely crucial," says Sally Whitwell, an ARIA award-winning composer and pianist. Known for her versatility and innovative contributions to music, Whitwell's recent work, Margaret and the Grey Mare, exemplifies her commitment to interdisciplinary creativity. In our insightful interview, she shares her experiences of collaboration, the transformative power of partnerships, and her vision for the future of classical music.
From Commissioning to Performance: A Glimpse into Mirabilis Collective's Musical Process
Discover the journey of Mirabilis Collective, from commissioning unique works by West Australian women composers to the thrill of opening a new score and performing diverse music. Join us as we explore the creative process, celebrate musical diversity, and share the joy of creation and performance.