Hyde, recognised for her influence on Australian music education, made her musical debut as a teenage piano virtuoso, leaving an indelible mark on London with her piano concertos.

Craig’s scholarship will focus on delving into the original manuscripts, allowing her to create new interpretative editions that will form the basis of a new programme by her ensemble, Tarrawatta Trio. The aim is to bring to light the unique personality and mastery of Miriam Hyde, fostering a greater appreciation of her contributions to the public sphere.

Celia is immensely grateful to the Library for supporting artists in researching and developing new artistic concepts inspired by its rich collections. 

Dr Miriam Hyde OBE, AO, is often remembered for her contributions to the Australian music education scene, as composer of exam music and patron of competitions. The typical picture such as in her Australian Biography, is of an older person. But she began as a teenage piano virtuoso, taking London by storm while playing her own piano concerti and others with England’s major orchestras and conductors, while still a student! Her early compositions are dramatic, painting vivid pictures of her mental health and personal experience of war. 

Celia Craig is already known for narratives through live music with her Trio Tarrawatta, which began at the founding Homestead of South Australia, Collingrove.  (Here playing music by Percy Grainger, one of Hyde’s influences, and with whom she had many musical connections.)

Tarrawatta recently performed four unpublished arrangements by Miriam Hyde. What is the background to these arrangements, and who were the mysterious Cecilian Trio for whom they were written? 

How can we best tell her brilliant and unique story, and continue her legacy to inspire new generations of teenage South Australians to learn music? 

Through this significant national Creative Fellowship, Craig will examine the original letters and manuscripts and create new performing editions to develop a new Tarrawatta program bringing Miriam Hyde’s unique character and virtuosity to greater public attention.

More of Myriam Hyde in my blog