The Quiddity Challenge
Quiddity (ˈkwɪdɪti): the essential nature of something or someone
Background
The Quiddity composition project was created in 2014 for a partnership between Museums Victoria and the Melbourne Recital Centre in which the Federation Handbells were invited to provide experiences to engage and inspire Melbourne Recital Centre patrons.
Quiddity was a component in a suite of activities that included the installation of a set of Federation Handbells in the foyer of the Melbourne Recital Centre for six months (activated by MRC staff and visitors) and also Birthday Bells, a community composition and procession to celebrate the Melbourne Recital Centre’s 5th Birthday.
Four composers won commissions to write music featuring the Federation Handbells inspired by the theme ‘Quiddity’. Quiddity means the essential nature of something or someone.
The compositions premiered at four special pre-concert events at the Melbourne Recital Centre between August 1st and September 12th, 2014.
The composers and their compositions
Martin Martini – Three Songs for the Federation Handbells: I Don’t Have To Be With You, Preying Mantis and Woebegone
Elissa Goodrich – And after silence…
Adam Simmons – The Invisible Element
Steve Falk – Heliosphere