Young composer awarded

Music

University of Adelaide composition student Alexander Mitchell has been awarded the Helpmann Academy/ETSA Utilities Travel Grant for 2006.

The grant will enable Alexander to travel to China to present work in Shifting Horizons, a world-class cultural exchange program. Invited by the Shanghai Theatre Academy to represent Australia, Alexander will be one of the main collaborators at the Shifting Horizons event.

Shifting Horizons is an innovative performing arts cultural exchange by collaborators from China and Australia. Held in Shanghai from October to December this year, the program includes international workshops, lectures and performances.

The event is hosted by the Shanghai Theatre Academy, and facilitated by notable Chinese film and theatre director Guy Yi An with independent choreographer Amanda Phillips from Australia.

The program offers a melting pot of opportunity and artistic creativity, along with the development of cultural ties between the participants.

Alexander graduated with First Class Honours in a Bachelor of Music (Composition) from the Elder Conservatorium of Music at the University of Adelaide last year. He is currently completing his Masters in composition at the Conservatorium and has rapidly earned a reputation as an emerging composer.

In awarding the grant, ETSA Utilities Chief Executive Officer Lew Owens said: "We are a great believer in the youth of South Australia and this grant will allow a very promising artist to develop and display his skills on the international stage. We are pleased to be able to acknowledge this talent artist."