Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Australia

Birth

:

September 4, 1934 in Milwaukee, WI

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Orchestral

 

Mary Mageau was born on August 16, 1934, in Brisbane, Australia. She grew up in a musical family, with her mother being a pianist and her father a violinist. Her parents encouraged her to pursue music, and she began playing the piano at a young age. She also learned to play the violin and the cello. Mageau studied music at the University of Queensland, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree. She then went on to study at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where she earned a Diploma of Music Education. She also studied composition with Australian composer Peter Sculthorpe. Mageau began her career as a music teacher, teaching at various schools in Australia. She also worked as a music critic for the Brisbane Courier-Mail and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Mageau's compositions are influenced by her Australian heritage and her love of nature. She often incorporates elements of Australian folk music and Aboriginal music into her works. Her music is also characterized by its use of rich harmonies and intricate rhythms. One of Mageau's most famous works is her Symphony No. 1, which was commissioned by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in 1988. The symphony is divided into four movements, each of which is inspired by a different aspect of Australian nature. The first movement, "Rainforest," is a tribute to the lush rainforests of Australia. The second movement, "Desert," is inspired by the harsh beauty of the Australian outback. The third movement, "Coral Sea," is a tribute to the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. The final movement, "Mountain," is inspired by the rugged beauty of the Australian Alps. Another notable work by Mageau is her Piano Concerto, which was commissioned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 1979. The concerto is characterized by its use of complex rhythms and rich harmonies. It is also notable for its use of Australian folk music, which is incorporated into the second movement. Mageau's other works include chamber music, choral music, and solo piano music. Some of her notable chamber works include her String Quartet No. 1 and her Trio for Flute, Viola, and Harp. Her choral works include her Requiem for the Innocent, which is a tribute to the victims of child abuse. Mageau has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to music. In 1993, she was awarded the Order of Australia for her services to music. She has also been awarded the Australian Music Centre's Don Banks Music Award and the Queensland Premier's Award for Excellence in the Arts. Mageau continues to compose music and is considered one of Australia's most important composers. Her music is performed regularly by orchestras and ensembles around the world.

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