Moya Henderson facts for kids

Moya Patricia Henderson is a talented Australian composer born on August 2, 1941, in Quirindi, New South Wales. She is known for creating many different kinds of music.

Moya Henderson studied music at the University of Queensland. In 1973, she became the composer-in-residence for Opera Australia. This was a special time, as it was Opera Australia's first season at the famous Sydney Opera House. In the mid-1970s, she continued her studies in Germany. She learned about composing from Karlheinz Stockhausen and music-theatre from Mauricio Kagel.

A Composer's Journey

In 1973, Moya Henderson received a special scholarship and a travel grant. This allowed her to continue her music education in Germany. She returned to Australia in late 1976. There, she began teaching composition at the University of Sydney.

Inspiring Young Musicians

By 1978, she became the composer-in-residence in the Music Department. For three years, she worked to get students excited about music-theatre. She encouraged them to create their own musical plays.

Moya Henderson's Music

Moya Henderson did not stick to just one type of music. Her works include many styles. She wrote chamber music, which is for small groups of instruments. She also composed instrumental music, vocal music, and choral music for choirs.

Different Musical Styles

She even created electronic music and music for vocal ensembles. Sometimes, she would make different versions of the same piece. Some of her well-known works include 'Sorry time: cello solo' (1999) and 'The Beloved awaits: brass quintet' (2008). She also wrote 'Ku-ring-gai Chase: full orchestra' (1999) and 'G'day USA 1: horn solo' (2003). Another piece is 'Yapu vudlandta: fate, clarinet, and piano' (2004).

Opera and Storytelling

Moya Henderson also composed an opera called Lindy (1997). An opera is a play where the story is told mostly through singing. This opera was based on the famous disappearance of baby Azaria Chamberlain in 1980. The opera explores the mother's experience during this difficult time. It first opened at the Sydney Opera House in 2002.

Musical Inventions

While studying in Germany in the 1970s, Moya Henderson was asked to compose music for a sculpture. This sculpture was made of twenty-seven triangles. During this project, she invented a new musical instrument.

The Alemba

She created the alemba, which is a keyboard percussion instrument. It makes sounds when you hit it, similar to a xylophone.

Other Clever Tools

Moya Henderson also invented the Tosca Bells. These are hollow metal tubes that make a vibrating, bell-like sound when struck. She also developed a special 'noose' for stringed instruments. This invention helps composers write natural harmonics on almost every note. This makes it easier to create unique sounds for string orchestras.

Awards and Recognition

Moya Henderson has received many awards for her musical talents. In 1974, she won the Kranichsteiner Prize for the best music theatre piece.

Special Fellowships

In November 1983, she was given one of the first CSIRO Artist-in-Residence Fellowships. This was for her invention of the alemba instrument.

Honored for Her Contributions

In 1993, Moya Henderson was awarded the Don Banks Music Award. She was also made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1996. This honor recognized her great service as a composer.

Don Banks Music Award

The Don Banks Music Award was created in 1984. It celebrates senior artists who have made a huge and lasting contribution to music in Australia. The Australia Council for the Arts started this award. It honors Don Banks, who was an Australian composer and the first head of their music board.

See also

In Spanish: Moya Henderson para niños