South Australian composer Anne Cawrse. Funded by ArtsSA, this project focuses on the recording, releasing, and marketing this new work, marking a pivotal moment in Craig’s mid-career transition to an independent neurodivergent (synesthetic) arts leader

A grant for performance development and recording, release and marketing of solo oboe work ‘Carmen Perpetuum’ commissioned by Celia Craig from South Australian composer Anne Cawrse, on the independent label Artaria. 

With a new reflection to Ovid’s masterpiece through a deliberately female lens, Cawrse’s commission is the culmination of a long-awaited album: the premiere performance of Judith Weir’s Oboe Concerto commissioned by Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Six Metamorphoses after Ovid by Benjamin Britten completes three solo oboe works, two dedicated, all recorded in Adelaide, culminating Celia’s covid-affected 2020 Fellowship.

Carmen Perpetuum continues Celia’s mid-career change from Principal Oboist, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, to independent neurodivergent (synesthetic) arts leader, leveraging her strong connection with Master of The Kings Music, Judith Weir CBE, a former oboist.

This strategy builds on two previously funded Arts SA projects: 

• Fellowship ‘Exploring New Directions’ (2020) recording label Artaria, Patron Judith Weir 
• ‘Metamorphosis’ (2021) with Indigenous photographer Finn Mellor

Both reflected Celia’s lifetime experience of synesthesia (mixing of sound and colour).

Celia’s recording in North Adelaide Baroque Hall develops her public relationship with the brand new hall, acoustic and its Monaco-based founder Julian Cochran. The recording will complete the album for an international digital launch in August alongside a major recital with Thomas Trotter at St Peters Cathedral.

Through continued recital collaboration with virtuoso organist, recipient of HM Queens Medal for Music, Thomas Trotter, performing to the international oboe community at IDRS conference in Thailand, creating a solo recording in North Adelaide Baroque Hall, Craig will develop her international reputation and networks while promoting South Australian culture and artistry.

Marketing and communications manager Andi Custudio will manage Celia’s marketing and socials overlooked by professional marketing communications strategist.

Through this four month period, Celia will build her international role as an advocate for South Australian classical music and female-led innovation.