Prized performance by Monash clarinettist

Clarinettist and Monash School of Music -- Conservatorium masters student Ms Karen Heath has received a rare honour from leading German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen.

Ms Heath performed one of the composer's works at a concert in Germany last month as part of a 10-day course conducted by Stockhausen. The event is held annually in the town of Kuerten near Cologne, Germany.

She was invited to perform at a function and chose the composition In Freundschaft. Her performance of this work earned her recognition from the composer and a cheque for €800.

Ms Heath, who recently completed a Master of Arts (music performance) degree, was thrilled to receive the prize. "It was a great opportunity to rehearse and work with Stockhausen," she said.

"Stockhausen gives awards to performers in participants' concerts who fulfill for him certain criteria pertaining to his performance ideals. He is a stickler for perfection and ensures that absolutely every detail is articulated within his scores.

"The interpreter therefore, has the task of presenting an exact reproduction of those instructions, and for a number of Stockhausen pieces, the performer is also required to move/dance at the same time - so one needs to also develop kinetic remembrance."

It was the second time Ms Heath had attended the course, which attracts up and coming musicologists and composers from all over the world.

Ms Heath performs in a variety of different genres, from rock to free-style, improvisation to avant-garde, contemporary classical to music from the 18th century.

As part of her masters research, she explored the physiological aspects of choreographic music -- dancing and playing at the same time (techniques pioneered by Stockhausen), and included some Stockhausen works in her masters recital.

Professor Margaret Kartomi from the School of Music -- Conservatorium was delighted by Ms Heath's success.

"Karen is a gripping clarinettist with a fine technique and convincing interpretative skills, Professor Kartomi said. She has a fine stage presence, particularly when performing choreographic music and puts her utmost into every concert she presents," she said.

Next week, on 22 September, as part of the School of Music -- Conservatorium's 'Music at Lunchtime' concerts, Ms Heath will perform with the Sunwrae Ensemble at the Music Auditorium at Clayton campus. For details visit: www.arts.monash.edu/music/concerts/.