Claire Edwardes is an internationally renowned Australian musician and artistic director, usually described as a percussionist though this does not do justice to the range of instrumentation with which she performs. Though classically changed she is reluctant to use the term “classical” adjective to describe her music. Its contemporary, much of it improvised and in the forefront of modern composition and performance. She is a multi-award winner having received an Australia Council Music Fellowship, been the first person to receive APRA AMCOS Art Music Award for Excellence by an Individual three times (2016, 2012, 2007) and received a Freedman Fellowship in 2005.

Eastside’s Mick Paddon spoke with Claire about her music, her upcoming performances at the Sound Lounge for SIMA and as part of the day long Extended Play Festival and why it appears that there are more young women performing classical music than jazz. Claire also shared some of the music she has prepared for the Sound Lounge, giving it its first public airing.

The interview was first broadcast during Mick’s show Time and Space on 89.7fm on the 15th August