Surf Coast Composer to represent Australia

Twenty-one-year-old Surf Coast composer Callum Watson is gearing up to represent Australia in the 25th International Young Composers Meeting in the Netherlands early next year.

The meeting selects 16 of the best young composers from around the world to join creative forces and trial innovative musical works for Orkest De Ereprijs, a leading orchestra for new music in the Netherlands.

“I am humbled to have been given this amazing opportunity,” Callum said.

“Europe has such a thriving new music culture in addition to its long history of master composers from Beethoven to Bach. This opportunity can only influence my practice for the better.”

The excitement is only beginning for Callum, with his position in the program allowing him and other participants access to a number of large orchestral composition commissions following the meeting.

In what’s been a big year for the up and coming composer – from gaining acclaim for the five-star recital series in North Melbourne to producing music recorded in one of Melbourne’s biggest Cathedrals – it’s clear the young musician is one to keep an eye on.

Heading to Geelong on Friday, December 7, you can catch Callum behind the piano for Geelong’s newest Christmas celebration ‘Christmas At The piano’ at the Black Hatt on Little Myers Street.

The event, which has been curated by Callum, will showcase a handful of the region’s best young solo musicians performing around the piano.

For more information on Christmas At the Piano, head to callumwatson.com.au/Christmas and book your tickets.