Who is Anne Cawrse?
I am a composer of (for want of a better term) contemporary art music. I write for chamber groups, soloists, orchestras, choirs, and all the combinations within. My commissions come from all over Australia, and are intended for live performance. I also teach music theory and composition at the Elder Conservatorium of Music.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Hard to say really… perhaps a writer or a teacher? Composition has been an ever-present feature of my entire adult life, so it’s difficult to imagine doing anything differently. Though if someone wanted to pay me to go travelling and experience more of the world, I’d be up for that I reckon!
Who inspires you and why?
Anyone who is authentic, genuine, curious, and brave.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Composing for me is generally very solitary, but the goal is always to create a piece of art meant to be shared, by the performers, with an audience. It’s very hard to quantify what kind of a difference that makes in the world, but I know from my own experience of art that has made me consider something from a different perspective, weep tears of joy, or be struck by awe and wonder, that it does matter. Art makes us rethink, feel deeply, and connect with the most vulnerable parts of ourselves.
A good friend, also a composer, told me once that if there’s one person in the audience who is moved by what we create, then it was worth the time it took to make it. I remind myself of that often.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I was lucky enough to go on an extended holiday to Europe with my husband last year. We travelled through many different countries over a period of three months, and it is rather impossible to pick a favourite. I will say though that Iceland really took my breath away for its majestic and awesome natural beauty. It’s a landscape that makes you feel incredibly small and insignificant in comparison to the vast and uncontrollable power of nature.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
A day spent enjoying some of the gastronomical delights of Adelaide would be perfect! Adelaide Central Markets is a favourite for atmosphere, the perfect place to do the weekly grocery shop but make it feel like anything but a chore. For a day trip, we’d head to a couple of my favourite wineries in either the Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale. Then as the sun sets, an esplanade walk to Henley Square followed by dinner at Estia or Thai Orchid (and perhaps gelato at Bottega if we still have room) would cap off a pretty perfect day.
What are you currently reading?
I’ve recently finished inhaling Trent Dalton’s Gravity Let Me Go. I’m now on to Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, which is very different (in a good way) and requires a much more considered pace.
What are you currently listening to?
I’ve jumped on the bandwagon and really love Raye’s This Music May Contain Hope. I’m also fascinated by Elevator Songs – a newly-released collaboration between Gabriel Kahane and Roomful of Teeth.
Happiness is?
Good coffee; a long hug from a loved one; meaningful work; not setting a morning alarm; thoughtful conversation; time with a great book you can’t put down; the warm feeling of contentment.
What does the future hold for you?
A short break come May – all my converging due dates will be behind me, and I’ll get to sit back and rest a while and hear some of the music I’ve been writing (Ensemble Q in Brisbane on 10 May, and Coriole Music Festival on 17 May). Then it’s back to the figurative and literal drawing board: my upcoming projects include a Saxophone Quartet for Nexas Quartet and a Chamber Septet for Omega Ensemble.
Amongst the writing will be some teaching, mentoring, and planning a recording project for late this year and a family holiday for July. Hopefully amongst all that I’ll have some time to sit outside in the late autumnal sun with a cup of coffee and read my book.
Anne will present a revised and new arrangement of This Too Shall Pass – which will make its festival premiere at the 2026 Coriole Music Festival on Sunday 17 May. For more information, visit: www.coriolemusicfestival.com for details.
Image: Anne Cawrse – photo by Emma Luker