Composer

Peggy is currently completing a Master of Music (Composition) at the Sydney Conservatorium under the guidance of Prof Anne Boyd and Dr Matthew Hindson. She is an Associate Represented Composer with the Australian Music Centre.

Biography

Peggy Polias was born in Sydney in 1981, the eldest of five children. As a school student Peggy learned to play the piano and began writing original pieces for the instrument. Later she graduated from Sydney University in 2002 with a B.Mus. (Composition). Since graduating, Peggy has worked as a music copyist, setting works by leading contemporary Australian composers, and spent some years teaching piano and music theory from her home studio, as well as composing. Most of Peggy’s recent works have been performed and several have won prizes. A highlight of 2008 was her October residency at Bundanon, Arthur and Yvonne Boyd's gift to the nation. In recent years Peggy has played in the Langen Suka Sydney Javanese Gamelan ensemble. She also enjoys using computers and built her current one.

Awards

2008-2009 University of Sydney Postgraduate Award for M.Music (Composition) studies

2007 Fellowship of Australian Composers-University of Sydney Women's Composer Award: The Moon (2007) for
eleven instruments

2007 Canberra International Chamber Music Festival Young Composers Prize: Stitch (2007) for solo piano

2005 2MBS-Willoughby Symphony Orchestra FAC Encouragement Award: Heart (2005) for orchestra

2001 Busby Scholarship recipient, University of Sydney Department of Music