Klearhos Murphy
Klearhos Murphy: Prayer for Makronissos
KLEARHOS MURPHY - Prayer for Makronissos (10 mins)
Sarah Penicka-Smith - Conductor
Willoughby Symphony Orchestra & Willoughby Symphony Choir
Sharing with permission from Australian Digital Concert Hall, Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and Willoughby Symphony Choir.
Notes:
During the Greek Civil War, suppression towards communists and anti-government bodies by the then appointed government was at its worst. As conflict ravaged and destroyed nearly all areas of Greece, civilians were often taken from their homes and sent to political prisons/concentration camps for labour, torture, and finally, either ‘repentance’ or death. One of these camps was set up on the island of Makronissos (Μακρόνησος) and was one of the largest.
My grandfather often recalls his memory of officials wrongfully detaining and exiling his father to Makronissos. There was no due process during this time, and mere rumour was enough to send him there. Though he was released after one year, we can only assume he suffered greatly at the hands of those running the camp. Accounts of the terrible conditions of Makronissos at this time include forced starvation and torture, both physical and psychological. After all of this, one must ask why were people, regardless of their beliefs, allowed to endure such hardship in the first place? I dedicate this piece to my great-grandfather, to all those detained, and to all of those who lost their lives during this war. Being a ‘Prayer for Makronissos’, the musical material utilises Byzantine and Greek folk theory for its melodic and harmonic language, as well as rich orchestral timbres that help to elevate the prayer to a state of fulfilment, longing and optimism.
The YOUNG COMPOSER AWARD 2023 recipient is Klearhos Murphy whose new work will be performed by Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and Choir. When Klearhos was told of his award he said "To be given the opportunity to write original music, and have it performed by such an accomplished orchestra and choir, is truly the opportunity of a lifetime. Willoughby Symphony has consistently been a beacon for young Australian composers through their generous award program, and I am forever grateful and uncontrollably excited to work with them and to have my music premiered by them."
The Young Composer Award is an annual national competition providing young Australian composers the rare opportunity to compose for a full orchestra then have their new work performed, and recorded live, by the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra.
Now in its 19th year this prestigious award is the only one of its kind. The award is hosted by Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and the orchestra gratefully acknowledges benefactor Mark Wakely’s generous support of the award in memory of Steven Alward. The award has become a springboard for a generation of composers. In addition to prize money, the recipient gains valuable experience and contacts refining their original score alongside a respected conductor and accomplished orchestra.
Instagram: @klearhosmurphy
Website: klearhosmurphy.com
Sharing with permission from Australian Digital Concert Hall, Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and Willoughby Symphony Choir.
