Abstract
As Artistic Director of The Song Company (2016–2022), the researcher had sole responsibility for the overall artistic vision, programming, and creative development of Australia’s national vocal ensemble. The final two seasons (2021–2022, falling within the assessment period) represent the culmination of a seven-year research programme in ensemble curation – investigating how a national vocal ensemble’s programming can constitute a coherent artistic and intellectual argument across seasons. The research contribution includes: commissioning and performing new works by over one hundred Australian and international composers; programming juxtapositions that reveal new relationships between historical and contemporary repertoire; developing ensemble performance practice; and building audiences for adventurous vocal music through systematic programming strategies.