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.

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.