AVÉ Australian Vocal Ensemble - Thought Is Surrounded by a Halo (2024) Hi-Res

From the brilliant singers of the Australian Vocal Ensemble (AVÉ) comes a new song cycle bringing to life through music the poetry of Gwen Harwood. This project marks the second collection commissioned by AVÉ as they continue to expand their repertoire of new Australian vocal works, celebrating the incredible talent of the ensemble – Katie Noonan, Fiona Campbell OAM, Louis Hurley and Andrew O’Connor – and creating a unique sound world to be discovered and shared.

The album features works by some of Australia’s finest composers: Anne Cawrse, Elena Kats-Chernin, Joseph Twist, Kevin Barker, Andrew O’Connor, Paul Stanhope, Stephen Leek, Thomas Green, Sally Whitwell and Perry Joyce. Their unique interpretations of Harwood's texts invite listeners inside Harwood’s world, to uncover their own interpretations of the poetry and music.

In July–August this year, AVÉ will be presenting music from this project live to communities in regional Queensland as part of a series of workshops and performances. This tour underscores AVÉ’s commitment to sharing their projects with a broader audience and providing collaborative opportunities for communities to engage with the ensemble through Australian art music.