Don Kay
Don Kay (born 1933) is a Tasmanian classical composer whose work ranges from symphony, opera and concerto to chamber, choral, vocal and piano music, often shaped by the island’s landscape, ecology and history.
Don Kay was born and educated in Tasmania before completing his music degree at the University of Melbourne. During his years in London (1959–64) he studied composition privately with Malcolm Williamson.
His compositions include two one-act operas, three concertos, a symphony, and vocal, choral, chamber, film and theatre music. In 1991 he was appointed a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia for his service to the arts, particularly music composition.
Don Kay is featured on the following titles
Blue Sky Through Still Trees
Vanessa Sharman returns to the piano music of Tasmanian composer Don Kay in this second volume, with Sonatas Nos. 7 and 9. Recorded in the Salon at Melbourne Recital Centre, her playing catches the delicacy and emotion of these works.
Don Kay: Bird Chants
Don Kay is an Australian composer from Tasmania with a substantial body of piano music. This collection gathers works written over ten years from 1998, each shaped by the personality of a particular pianist.
Compositions by Don Kay also appear on
Fretsongs
David Malone teaches guitar at the Tasmanian Conservatorium and is in demand as a recitalist. He encourages local composers to write for his instrument, and this debut solo disc is the fruit of that work: a fresh, lively survey of Tasmanian music that gives him room to show his virtuosity.
Christmas under Capricorn
The Australian Youth Orchestra, conducted by Graham Abbott, plays nineteen Christmas carols arranged for orchestra by Australian composers. Two carols appear in paired settings, inviting comparison. Listenable festive music, easy to give as a gift.