Reimagining Miriam Hyde: A Forgotten Visionary of Australian Music

Founded on the conviction that South Australian independent creativity deserves more attention, 2026 sees the launch of a new series curated by Celia Craig with cherished musical partner Michael Ierace and brilliant invited artist collaborators.

This deliberately varied series reflects Celia's Biennial Artist 2026 status which launches this duo partnership internationally through a debut album of dedicated, Australian repertoire headed by South Australian synaesthetic legend of piano, composer Miriam Hyde. "Meeting Miriam" acts as an umbrella title signifying interest in exploring and extending the ongoing cultural history of South Australia. The essential energy of this series reflects our supporters' ongoing dedication to new music and highlights that Miriam was herself an emerging Australian composer...

Australian composers include Carl Vine AO - whose stunning work Intimate Dialogues is the first project - Anne Cawrse, whose Trio will be premiered in this series, Dr. Connor Fogarty- whose Sonata for Oboe and Piano, in memoriam Rosemary Stimson, is the second project to fund- and one will be completely improvised (something Miriam loved)...The first item we need to fund involves completing the commissioning of Intimate Dialogues by Carl Vine AO for Craig and Ierace- this has already been described as 'a coup'!!

"I am honoured to have been approached by Artaria to compose new music for oboist Celia Craig to perform with pianist Michael Ierace. Celia is a wonderful musician and one of the world’s finest oboists. This exciting new project is emblematic of Celia’s endless inventiveness and daring, and promises to be a source of wonder and joy for audiences and supporters alike. I have known Celia for more than a decade but have never been able to organise an opportunity to create new music tailored to her particularly expansive set of skills.... In light of Celia’s substantial international connections and continued practical links to the United Kingdom in particular, this also promises to provide a consummate showcase for Australian music makers in a global context" Carl Vine AO

This tax deductible campaign is created to support the production and commissioning of concerts for this series. Our loyal supporters and audience will be instrumental in enabling more commissioning, enabling and meeting our invited composers, aiding the recording and production of new works, publicity and essential expenses for the artists invited to perform, including private rehearsals.

The original concept of the Hall series was designed to be self-sustaining: Hall's own promotion, audience building, no venue hire, local artists showcasing musical experience inside stunning European style architecture, fees paid on sharing box office income- while tickets are deliberately affordable: however, costs do exist associated with rehearsing and production and commissioning. This is how we can address this and solve the issue.

The ACF platform offers an attractive, tax deductible method to support newly dedicated commissions building audience interest, following continued artistic growth through high level chamber collaborations- performed at the highest level with friends: Mark Gaydon, Thomas Marlin, Niki Vasilakis, Harrison Smith, Caspar Hawksley, acclaimed British clarinetist Robert Plane and flute superstar Josh Batty (Sydney, London).

By contributing to ongoing commissioning and production, you can become part of a real local legacy - printed on sheet music, supporting composers, musicians, producers and helping to underscore the ambition of the South Australian State cultural policy A Place to Create -"strengthening a sustainable arts ecosystem supported by accessible, high quality infrastructure that enables collaboration and innovation" and .... it will be fun!

This campaign deliberately builds on a long-standing partnership combining South Australian creativity, pedagogy, and international ambition. We will feature Michael solo on the bespoke hand built piano in the stunning Hall including little known repertoire of Miriam Hyde sprinkled throughout concerts that will also feature exhibitions and talks on her exceptional life.

Through launching a more regular and affordable local series through the entrepreneurial Baroque Hall; re-examining the real life of Dr Miriam Hyde OBE; placing her works in dialogue with 1930s English and Australian contemporaries; featuring brand new commissions by living composers; and by recording for Artaria in both audio and video; our ongoing work together becomes so accessible, to musicians, and to local and international audiences. 

Thank you for all your support, advice, loyalty and encouragement!

This is a major campaign- every single donation counts - and will be acknowledged. This is our chance to build on all the work we've already done, and showcase SA abroad.

“…Next came the beautiful Oboe Sonata in D Major by Camille Saint-Saens ... given an exquisite reading by Craig and Ierace on piano.

Introducing the piece, Craig spoke of her synaesthesia, a neurological condition which means she sees musical sounds as colours. The Sonata was described in hues of gold, royal blue, and silver…..” Diana Carroll, Arts Hub

If you've enjoyed hearing our independent partnership develop over 24 years, please become involved: help us extend the repertoire for oboe and piano, created in Adelaide.

Donate to the Meeting Miriam Project

“Classical music is for everyone, not just those in a concert hall. This project’s ambition to increase access and awareness for what music can bring to everyone is an exciting venture …”

– Mark Wigglesworth, Chief Conductor Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

Experience a mesmerising fusion of art, nature, and sound with Collectif: Arc en Ciel by Biennial Artist Celia Craig. Inspired by her synesthesia—the blending of senses—four diverse musical partners create a captivating soundscape. 

Collectif: Arc en Ciel features distinct voices weaving together in gradual, improvised harmony. This immersive, art-inspired experience invites you into a serene world of deep listening, where music, colour, and nature unite in an unforgettable journey of sensory discovery.

When was the last time you truly took a break? No screens, no distractions—just space to think, breathe, and soak in nature around you? Science shows that time spent immersed in nature and art isn’t just relaxing—it boosts clarity, reduces stress, and sparks creativity.

Join Celia Craig and Caspar Hawksley, the duo behind the hit neurodiversity schools show Colours of Home, for Collectif: Arc en Ciel. In Celia’s Biennial Artist series, they are joined by cello virtuoso Thomas Marlin, and jazz flugelhorn star Harrison Smith, to create a unique and relaxing musical experience.

Let the sounds evolve, blending slowly and seamlessly into an hour of deep listening, that washes over you in harmony.

Step outside the chaos of everyday life and into a moment of calm, creativity, and connection with Collectif: Arc en Ciel—where nature, art, and music unite.

Watch more here