Closing Time

Research Background This song cycle was conceived in collaboration with British poet Karin De Novellis. It was performed in collaboration with professional musicians of well-established reputation: soprano Daniella Sicari, baritone Christopher Allan, mezzo soprano Gillian Sullivan, and Tonya Lemoh. The work centred around the emotional experience of coping with dementia, and as such is an important contribution to the arts, health and society nexus. This performance was the world premiere of a new work by Australian composer Ross Fiddes, and the work was also subsequently premiered in the UK with some members of the original cast. The poetry, essentially forming a type of libretto, or ‘book’, was written by a woman whose partner was suffering from dementia and is a powerful evocation of the emotional journey for both parties as the dementia worsens. The piece is conceived for two singers, one narrator and pianist. Research Contribution Lemoh was invited to participate and contribute towards the process of interpreting and collaborating directly with the composer on the piano part, due to her background in 20th century Australian music performance and research. Lemoh’s contribution was innovating and lifting the score through technical and pianistic insight into different aspects of the libretto and music notation. The work Closing Time is an important contribution to the intersection of health and arts in Australian music and society. It acknowledges a major health area in the aging population in an original manner which has considerable artistic impact. Research Significance The significance of the project is confirmed by media responses and coverage, as well as the publication of the work by the Australian Music Centre. Bodies such as The Dementia Spring Foundation, which functions as a bridge between the dementia and arts communities, have also acknowledged the importance of the work, interviewing the composer for their dementia Arts Spotlights series.