One of the major projects undertaken by MGQ this year was the performance of Steve Reich’s Electric Counterpoint. This involved the pre-recording of 9 tracks with MGQ to play the remaining 4 unrecorded parts live in concert, a total of 13 guitars playing together! The performance of this work at the Melbourne Recital Centre in November was awarded the Contemporary Masters Award for the July-December round, making it two years running that MGQ has received this prestigious accolade. This award is based on judging criteria covering technique and intonation, musicianship, ensemble work, ability to engage the audience and complexity and difficulty of the piece.
A fitting way to celebrate the 80th birthday of Steve Reich!