Tuning In — Mirabilis News
Mirabilis Collective Releases Festive Track
Christmas Is Here
Mirabilis Collective is delighted to share Christmas Is Here, a new work commissioned for our concert, Shine. Written by Julia Nicholls, and inspired by 1950s and ’60s girl group harmonies, this piece captures the spirit of the holiday season with warmth and charm.
Take a peek into the magic of making Christmas Is Here in our video created by Tallulah Chong. Watch as we bring the festive spirit to life in this special in-studio video!
📺 Watch now
A huge thank you to Lee Buddle at Crank Recording for his expertise in recording and mastering the track. Read all about the story behind Christmas Is Here and the inspiration for its creation in our Musings on Music page!
Christmas Is Here is now available to purchase on Bandcamp and Apple Music, and to stream on Spotify. We hope you enjoy this festive addition to your holiday playlist!
Shine: A Festive Celebration
Shine, Mirabilis Collective's final concert of 2024, brought a capacity audience together to celebrate the joy and warmth of the holiday season. Featuring festive music written by women, the concert highlighted the creativity and warmth of female composers and songwriters. Enjoy these moments captured by the talented Tallulah Chong.
Mirabilis musicians, Julia Nicholls, Elena Wittkuhn, Tresna Stampalia and Stephanie Nicholls
Guest narrator Ali Bodycoat
Soloist Rachel Singer
River by Joni Mitchell
World premiere of Christmas Is Here by Julia Nicholls
Mirabilis sopranos, Lucinda Nicholls, Rachel Singer and alto, Julia Nicholls with Elena Wittkuhn
Mirabilis cellist, Elena Wittkuhn
Island Christmas by Christine Anu
My Guardian Angel by Judith Weir with audience sung participation
Directors Stephanie Nicholls and Tresna Stampalia
What Our Audience Loved About Shine
We were thrilled to see so many familiar and new faces at Shine, our festive celebration of women in music. From Julia Nicholls’ world premiere of Christmas is Here to the uplifting performances throughout the concert, the afternoon was filled with magic, joy, and a strong sense of community. Here’s what our wonderful audience had to say:
“Thanks for such a fabulous afternoon. The music written by Julia is absolutely amazing. Congratulations!”
“Such talented musicians... a joy to listen to!”
“I came to the concert with 4 of my grandchildren. They enjoyed it and particularly the brownies. The gluten free ones went down well.”
“I loved the short notes given before each performance. I didn’t know there were so many local female composers.”
“Shine was such a moving and transformative experience!”
“I really enjoyed Julia’s world premiere of her new song! Please let us all know when it’s available to purchase/download before Christmas - can’t wait to have it playing in our house :)”
“I loved the lovely collaboration between all the performers.”
“How fabulous to witness female musicians performing music written by females.”
“The performance of “The Little Drummer Boy” gave me goosebumps!”
We’re so grateful to our audience for joining us and for sharing your thoughts. Your support and feedback mean the world to us.
Mirabilis Collective: A Season of Musical Excellence
Mirabilis Collective members have been busy across Western Australia, performing at major events and supporting community causes.
Supporting Community Through Music
Mirabilis Collective performed at the 20th Annual Parkerville Charity Lunch, supporting their work with children and families in Western Australia. "We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the attendees, volunteers, supporters, donors, and everyone who has helped make this event a success," said Parkerville Children & Youth Care. "Your contribution and continued support allows us to create a brighter future for WA's children, young people and their families."
In an exciting performance, Tresna, Stephanie, and Elena joined Perth Symphony Orchestra at RAC Arena for "Synthony" under acclaimed Australian conductor Sarah-Grace Williams. Adding to the creative mix, Julia wrote a spooky a cappella arrangement of It Must Be Halloween for Baden Street Singers' concert "A Nightmare on Baden Street" at Fremantle Prison. In fantastic news, Julia’s barbershop quartet Broken Record brought home a silver medal in the open mixed quartet category at the BHA National Festival on the Gold Coast, placing fourth in Australia overall.
Supporting Arts Education and Development
Mirabilis Collective members are passionate about music education in Perth. Lucinda and Stephanie brought live music to the Trinity School for Seniors Art Exhibition opening, while Stephanie played piano for the Women on the Podium Conducting Symposium with Perth Symphony Orchestra, led by British conductor Alice Farnham and WA Ballet Chief Conductor Jessica Gethin.
From community performances to professional collaborations, it's been wonderful to share music across Western Australia
Photo credits: Parkerville Children & Youth Care, Duncan Barnes, BHA Australia and Vincent Trikeriotis for Perth Symphony OrchestraRead the review of Glow, the third concert in our Illuminate series, in The West Australian here
Beautiful moments from Glow captured by Tallulah Chong Photography
Glow
Sunday 25 August 2024
Read our online program
Mirabilis Collective's Artistic Director Stephanie Nicholls Joins
"March of the Women 2024: Connecting Australia"
We are excited to share that Stephanie Nicholls, Artistic Director of Mirabilis Collective, has been involved in the innovative project "March of the Women 2024: Connecting Australia." Curated by outstanding Australian flautist Eliza Shephard, this multi-album release celebrates the works of Australian female composers and features performances by some of the country’s most esteemed musicians.
As part of this groundbreaking initiative, Stephanie Nicholls has contributed to three recordings featuring the music of the distinguished Australian composer Mirrie Hill and collaborating with West Australian Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Piccolo Sonia Croucher.
Mirrie Hill (1889-1986) was a pioneering Australian composer, pianist, and music educator who made significant contributions to the development of classical music in Australia. She began composing at the age of fifteen and became one of the first women to teach at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Hill's compositions spanned a wide range of musical forms, including orchestral works, choral pieces, chamber music, film scores, and solo instrumental pieces. She believed that the string quartet was the ultimate test of a composer's abilities. Despite the societal expectations of her time, Hill never ceased to compose, and her dedication to music education and her role as a trailblazer for women in music have left a lasting impact on the Australian musical landscape.
This project has been made possible with the support of the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body. This support underscores the importance of fostering and celebrating the creative contributions of women in the arts.
Learn More About the Project
Photo by Sonia CroucherATAR Woodwind Performance Workshop: Enhance Your Skills with Expert Feedback
Mirabilis Collective, in collaboration with UWA Music and the Clarinet and Saxophone Society of Western Australia (CASSWA), is excited to offer a unique opportunity for Year 11 and 12 students to perform their ATAR works and receive invaluable feedback from some of Perth's most respected wind players and educators. This free ATAR Performance Workshop is designed to help students improve their performance skills and gain confidence through expert guidance.
Sunday 11 August | 2:00pm to 4:00pm | UWA Conservatorium of Music
What to Expect
Individual Feedback and Performance Tips
Students will have the chance to perform their ATAR pieces and receive individual feedback from leading industry professionals. This is an excellent opportunity to refine your performance and gain insights on how to enhance your musical interpretation.
Expert Instructors
Clarinet and Saxophone: UWA's Chair of Winds, Ashley Smith, and Allan Meyer, Principal Clarinet, West Australian Symphony Orchestra, will be providing feedback to clarinet and saxophone players.
Flutes, Oboes, and Bassoons: Tresna Stampalia and Stephanie Nicholls of Mirabilis Collective will be working with flute, oboe, and bassoon students.
Additional Benefits
Performance Etiquette: Learn the dos and don'ts of stage presence to enhance your performance.
Managing Stress: Receive practical tips on how to handle performance anxiety and stress, ensuring you perform at your best.
Accompanist Support: An experienced accompanist will be provided to play with you, or you can bring your usual accompanist if you prefer. This allows you to perform in a comfortable and supportive environment.
How to Register
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to elevate your performance skills and prepare for your ATAR exams with confidence. The workshop is free, but spaces are limited, so be sure to register early.
"Light of a Clear Blue Morning"
Experience the powerful performance of "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" by Mirabilis Collective, recorded at our "Solace in the City" concert on May 31, 2024, at Wesley Uniting Church, Perth.
As the finale to a concert exploring hope and resilience, this piece reflects Mirabilis Collective's commitment to elevating women's artistry and developing connections across generations of musicians.
Watch "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" and see how music can offer solace and hope. This rendition exemplifies our mission to create inspiring concerts that resonate with diverse audiences and highlight the exceptional talents of women in music.
Light of a Clear Blue Morning by Dolly Parton, arranged by Stephanie Nicholls. Soprano: Lucinda Nicholls, Violin: Madeleine Antoine and Julia Nicholls, Viola: Bourby Webster, Cello: Elena Wittkuhn, Flute: Tresna Stampalia, Oboe: Stephanie Nicholls.Performed live at Solace in the City, Friday 31 May 2024 at Wesley Church, Perth CBD Photography: Tallulah Chong, Videography: Gaëtan SchurrerReflections on "Solace in the City": A Night of Healing and Hope
Mirabilis Collective had the privilege of presenting "Solace in the City" at Wesley Church in Perth's CBD. This concert, a collaboration between Mirabilis Collective and Wesley Church in the City, aimed to provide a sanctuary of music and storytelling in the heart of Perth and featured a program of music written by remarkable women.
The music spanned from medieval to modern, and from classical to contemporary styles. The opening work, the ethereal O Virtus Sapientiae by Hildegard von Bingen, set a tone of introspection and peace. Sue McDougall, the Director of the Western Australian Botanic Garden at Kings Park, beautifully narrated the evening, guiding us through moments of resilience and hope amidst the music.
One of the highlights was the world premiere of Despite It All by our composer-in-residence, Candice Susnjar. This piece, generously supported by Wesley Uniting Church, resonated deeply with themes of introspection, resilience, and survival, embodying the spirit of hope.
We were also honoured to feature young, emerging artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their incredible talent. Mentorship is a cornerstone of Mirabilis Collective, and seeing these artists grow from rehearsals to performance is truly inspiring.
The program included poignant pieces sung by soprano Lucinda Nicholls including Björk's Desired Constellation and Billie Eilish’s My Future, arranged by Weste Australian composer Rebecca Erin to reflect the stunning acoustics of Wesley Church. Mirabilis musicians Madeleine Antoine, Julia Nicholls, Bourby Webster, Elena Wittkuhn and Irina Buevska-Cowell gave a moving performance of the “Adagio Espressivo” from Piano Quintet in F sharp minor, Op. 67 by Amy Beach.
A special thank you to all our musicians, Angela Currie, Director of Music at Wesley Church, Alessandro Pittorino, for stepping in to perform so magnificently, and to everyone who joined us. Let’s continue to find solace and strength in music.
Photography by Tallulah ChongInterested in experiencing Mirabilis Collective live?
Visit our upcoming events page for future concerts and ways to support our mission.
A special Performance at the Chief Executive Women Annual Dinner
Mirabilis Collective had the honour of contributing to the 2024 Chief Executive Women Annual Dinner in Perth, where we performed the Acknowledgment of Country and featured performances of Shimmer by Canadian composer Heather Schmidt, Steer by ARIA award winner Missy Higgins, and Che si può fare by Italian Baroque composer Barbara Strozzi.
CEW shared their appreciation, stating, "Mirabilis Collective graced us with their moving vocal Acknowledgment of Country, reminding us of the beauty of celebrating diverse female voices in music and reinstating the importance of this across industries."
We are deeply inspired by CEW's unwavering commitment to gender equity. Thank you to Chief Executive Women, the sponsors, and the organisers for making this event possible. Together, we continue to celebrate diverse voices and promote an inclusive future.
Luminous
Sunday 16 June 2024
Read our online program
Solace in the City
Friday 31 May 2024
Read our online program
Mirabilis Collective Shines at Arts Impact WA Awards 2024
On Thursday 23 May Mirabilis Collective graced the stage at The Rechabite for the 2024 Arts Impact WA Awards. The performance featured Yinyarr Mulana Winyarr (Free Spirit Woman), a song by Yorta Yorta woman Madi Colville-Walker, beautifully arranged by violinist Julia Nicholls.
Arts Impact WA, a collective giving community dedicated to strengthening the arts landscape in Western Australia, hosted the awards to celebrate and acknowledge the exceptional work of artists and arts organisations across the state. This year, the game-changing $100,000 grants were presented to Strut Dance and Sensorium Theatre, whose groundbreaking projects will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on WA audiences.
We were honoured to perform at such a prestigious and important evening for the arts in Western Australia. The Arts Impact WA Awards highlight the vital role that the arts play in our community, and we're thrilled to have been a part of this celebration.
Yinyarr Mulana Winyarr (Free Spirit Woman), by Yorta Yorta woman Madi Colville-Walker, arranged by Julia Nicholls.
Performed live by Mirabilis Collective on Thursday 23 May 2024, at The Rechabite for the Arts Impact WA Awards 2024.
Soprano: Lucinda Nicholls, Flute: Tresna Stampalia, Violin: Julia Nicholls, Cello: Elena Wittkuhn, Keys: Stephanie NichollsEngaging Young Minds
Mirabilis Collective's Inspiring Workshops at Hale School
Mirabilis Collective had the absolute pleasure of presenting four engaging workshops to the talented students at Hale School. We shared a diverse and exciting program featuring pieces by Madi Colville-Walker, Lili Boulanger, Barbara Strozzi, Emily Wurramara, Elena Kats-Chernin, Katie Noonan, Heather Schmidt, and Missy Higgins.
The students were amazing! From Year 7s to Year 11s, everyone was enthusiastic, curious, and full of energy. We had fantastic discussions about arranging music, ensemble playing, and the differences between contemporary and Baroque styles. The reflective questions showed just how much they connected with the music and the stories behind each piece.
Special thanks to Hale School and their wonderful staff for hosting us and to all the students who participated with such passion and interest. We loved sharing the importance of diverse voices in music and hearing your thoughtful reflections.
Mirabilis Collective musicians, Julia Nicholls, Stephanie Nicholls, Tresna Stampalia, Lucinda Nicholls and Elena Wittkuhn with Year 7 students from Hale School."Shimmer" Dazzles with Celebration of Women Composers
Mirabilis Collective ignited our Illuminate series with the the first concert "Shimmer" at UWA's Wigmore Studio. Our all-female ensemble championed the work of female composers in a program that vibrantly blended classical and contemporary sounds.
The evening opened with a performance of Shimmer, by Heather Schmidt. Sparkling piano set the stage, underscoring a poignant acknowledgement of country by narrator Ellen Ebbs, honouring the cross-cultural and timeless spirit of women's musical contributions.
The program showcased diverse works, from the lively Trio by Geraldine Green to a moving new arrangement of Sia's Chandelier. We were delighted to welcome the artistry of cellist Elena Wittkuhn and pianist Bridget Hutchinson to our 2024 ensemble. Additionally, our collaboration with the WA Young Artist Chamber Music Program was a resounding success, showcasing the talents of Elouise Watson and Jessica Casey as they brought Rebecca Erin's Intrepid: Passage to Antarctica to life.
"Shimmer" powerfully underscores Mirabilis Collective's mission to elevate women in music. This concert proved a glittering start to a series that will undoubtedly continue to illuminate and inspire audiences with its focus on extraordinary female voices in composition.
Read The Shimmer Review
David Cusworth | The West Australian Tuesday 16 April 2024
Missed out on Shimmer?
Check out the programme
Mirabilis Collective Connects with the WA Woodwind Community
We were delighted to participate in the sold-out 2024 UWA Day of Woodwind! This dynamic event brought together over 250 passionate woodwind players of all ages and skill levels for a day filled with workshops, performances, and classes.
Mirabilis Collective members Tresna Stampalia and Stephanie Nicholls led a workshop highlighting diverse repertoire, encouraging attendees to explore new and exciting works. We were honoured to play "Seals" by Alyssa Morris in the final concert that showcased the energy and artistry of some of Western Australia’s top professional woodwind performers.
Thank you to the organisers, volunteers, and fellow musicians who made this inspiring day possible!
Mirabilis Collective Joins UWA Conservatorium Concert Season
Two lunchtime concerts showcasing artistry and innovation
We're thrilled to be part of UWA Conservatorium of Music's vibrant 2024 concert season. Mirabilis Collective will present two lunchtime concerts and our Illuminate series at UWA Con, showcasing our signature blend of classical and contemporary chamber music pushing musical boundaries.
A feature of these concerts will be music written by West Australian women.
Lunchtime Concert 1 — Her Voice Rises | 1pm Wednesday 20 March | Callaway Music Auditorium.
Lunchtime Concert 2 — Songbirds | 1pm Wednesday 31 July | Callaway Music Auditorium.
Shimmer | 5pm Sunday 14 April | Wigmore Studio
Luminous | 5pm Sunday 16 June | Callaway Music Auditorium
Glow | 5pm Sunday 25 August | Callaway Music Auditorium
Shine | 5pm Sunday 1 December | Wigmore Studio
Save the dates!
Aspire Together: Artist and Donor Alliance
We're excited to share new ways to contribute to Mirabilis Collective's mission.
Discover the updated Support Us section, announcing our Aspire Together: Artist and Donor Alliance.
Your support empowers us to celebrate and amplify the voices of female artists and composers. Explore how you can make a difference today.
2023 Season Finale
A Tribute to Women's Connections and Musical Legacy
Mirabilis Collective's 2023 season finale, The Ties That Bind, marked a significant moment in celebrating the connections among women through music. This event was an exploration of women's stories and strengths, spanning centuries of musical heritage.
The concert's repertoire ranged from Valerie Coleman's anthem of unity, Umoja to Carmel Dean’s powerful musical theatre piece, Elegy. Each piece was chosen to reflect the shared experiences and enduring bonds among women. The music journeyed through various genres, including lieder, acoustic country, romantic chamber music, folk, and electro-pop, showcasing the versatility and depth of women's contributions to music.
A unique aspect of the concert was the inclusion of narration, a new venture for Mirabilis Collective. The narration, crafted by Elisabeth Parry, Julia Nicholls, and Sarah McNeill, and delivered by Sarah McNeill of Lit Live, added a narrative dimension to the music, enhancing the audience's engagement. Looking ahead, Mirabilis Collective plans to feature prominent women from Perth's arts scene as narrators in future performances, further blending music with storytelling.
The concert featured bespoke arrangements by Julia and Stephanie Nicholls, tailored to the ensemble's strengths and the thematic focus of the concert. Additionally, the performance spotlighted guest musicians Anya Butcher and Lisa Huang from Methodist Ladies College, integrating emerging talent into the program.
The Ties That Bind underscored the importance of community support in the arts and was a statement about the power of music to connect and celebrate women's experiences. Our thanks to Uniting Church in the City and in particular, Angela Currie, Music Director at Wesley Church, for their wonderful support.
Photography by Tallulah Chong
🌟 What to Expect at a Mirabilis Collective Concert 🌟
🎶 Join us for a captivating 60-minute concert that weaves together a rich tapestry of sound and storytelling 🎶
🌟 Connected by Narrative: Our concerts are more than just a series of performances; they are a journey connected by a compelling narrative that adds depth and context to each piece.
🌟 Bite-Sized Brilliance: Each piece of music is under 5 minutes long, making for a dynamic and engaging experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
🌟 All Music by Women: We are proud to exclusively feature music composed by women, celebrating the often underrepresented voices in the music world.
🌟 Bespoke Arrangements: Our ensemble performs arrangements that are specifically tailored for us, adding a unique touch to each performance.
🌟 Diverse Genres: From classical to contemporary, our repertoire is as diverse as it is captivating.
🌟 Local Talent: We take pride in featuring music by West Australian women, contributing to the local arts scene.
🌟 Intergenerational Ensemble: Our ensemble is composed of women from different generations, bringing a unique blend of experience and fresh perspectives to each performance.
Introducing Our Verses in Velvet Emerging Musicians
Mirabilis Collective unveiled emerging artists, pianists Bridget Hutchinson and Shirley Ng, in their recent Verses in Velvet concert from the series Her Voice Resounds. The event highlighted the significance of female composers across eras, further solidifying Mirabilis Collective's commitment to nurturing and showcasing women in the arts.
Bridget Hutchinson, a third year student at the UWA Conservatorium of Music, delivered a moving rendition of Che si può fare by Baroque-era composer, Barbara Strozzi. She seamlessly transitioned to the contemporary soundscape, performing a chamber music arrangement of Taylor Swift's Begin Again with the ensemble, demonstrating her broad musical range.
Shirley Ng, a first-year student at UWA Con, impressed the audience with her performance of Could Love by Mirabilis Collective's Julia Nicholls. Her expressive delivery and connection to the piece vividly brought the song to life..
A highlight of the event was an insightful interview led by Tresna Stampalia. Bridget and Shirley shared their experiences of rehearsing and performing with Mirabilis Collective, reflecting on the unique dynamics and synergy of the group. Both emphasised the invaluable learning and growth they achieved, especially in performing pieces by a diverse group of female composers.
Each musician’s dedication to sharing skills and working together shone through in the concert. We are delighted to have included UWA Conservatorium students in the ensemble for the Her Voice Resounds concert series, giving aspiring female musicians a stage and keeping the spotlight on music composed by women.
Hear Me, Hear My Name — A Resounding Success
In August, Mirabilis Collective made its debut with Hear Me, Hear My Name, the first concert in our Her Voice Resounds series at Wigmore Studio. The night featured a blend of compositions and arrangements inspired by women named Emily across genres and time periods.
Audience members had high praise for the event. "The music was well chosen, and the musicianship was top-notch," said one attendee, highlighting the level of preparation that went into the performance. Another commented, "The instruments and vocals blended well. Each had its moment to stand out," emphasising the balanced arrangement of the ensemble.
One memorable moment was our interpretation of Emily Dickinson's poems, which an audience member described as "perfectly executed." This section was a standout, resonating with many who attended.
In summary, our debut concert set a solid foundation for what's to come from Mirabilis Collective. The positive response from our audience reaffirms our commitment to highlighting women in music. Thanks to all who made this night possible, from the musicians to those who joined us in the audience.
Partnership with UWA Conservatorium Announced
Mirabilis Collective is thrilled to announce a partnership with the UWA Conservatorium of Music, a collaboration that not only resonates with our mission but also marks a significant milestone for our organisation. This partnership will provide venue support for Mirabilis Collective concerts and creative development workshops, and integrate participation in our projects into undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the Conservatorium.
Mirabilis Collective Directors Tresna Stampalia and Stephanie Nicholls, both UWA alumni, find this development particularly meaningful. Our organisation is dedicated to nurturing talent, encouraging creativity, and highlighting women's contributions to music.
Professor Alan Lourens, Head of the Conservatorium of Music announced: “We are pleased to be supporting such a fantastic initiative that is giving emerging artists opportunities to refine their craft under the guidance of respected and established musicians. The values and aims of Mirabilis Collective create wonderful musical experiences whilst building a robust and connected community in Western Australia.”
Stephanie Nicholls, Artistic Director of Mirabilis Collective, shared: “This collaboration with UWA Conservatorium of Music symbolises a meeting of minds and a confluence of musical visions. It's a relationship that promises to unfold new opportunities for creativity, education, and the celebration of women's contributions to music.”
The UWA Conservatorium of Music is proudly supporting this activity, and we look forward to a vibrant and productive collaboration that will inspire and enrich the West Australian musical landscape.
