# Joseph Twist

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Joseph_Twist
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Joseph_Twist.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Twist
> Source revision: 1311685637
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

{{Notability|date=March 2024}}
{{short description|Australian composer (born 1982)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}

'''Joseph Edward Twist''' (born 1982) is an Australian [composer](/source/composer) from [Gold Coast, Queensland](/source/Gold_Coast%2C_Queensland), who resides in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |last=Scott |first=Jane |date=6 June 2012 |title=Totally composed - Hitting the right note for kids is this talented muso's intention |page=27 |work=Brisbane Times|publisher=News Corp Australia }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kelly |first=Patricia |date=24 January 2005 |title=Idea for a song |page=14 |work=The Courier-Mail}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Campbell |first=Peter |year=2011 |title=Eclectic Experience-Eclectic Style: An Interview with Joseph Twist |journal=Context: Journal of Music Research |url=https://cpb-ap-se2.wpmucdn.com/blogs.unimelb.edu.au/dist/6/184/files/2016/08/35-36_Campbell-Interview-1we6bif.pdf |publisher=[University of Melbourne](/source/University_of_Melbourne) |issue=35/36 |pages=167–179, 216}}</ref>

Twist composed music for other artists including [Moby](/source/Moby), [Missy Higgins](/source/Missy_Higgins), [Guy Sebastian](/source/Guy_Sebastian), [Kate Miller-Heidke](/source/Kate_Miller-Heidke), [The Idea of North](/source/The_Idea_of_North), [Chanticleer](/source/Chanticleer_(ensemble)) and [The Wiggles](/source/The_Wiggles) and for [television shows](/source/Television_program) including ''[Bluey](/source/Bluey_(TV_series))''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sydneyphilharmonia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SPC_20210403_StJohnPassionReimagined.pdf |access-date=18 December 2012 |title=St John Passion Reimagined |publisher=Sydney Philharmonic Choirs |date=2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | url = http://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/news/chronology-arts-publishes-list-demand-australian-composers | title = Chronology Arts Lists 'In Demand' Australian Composers | journal = Limelight Magazine | last = McPherson | first = Angus | date = 22 March 2017 | access-date = 13 January 2018 }}</ref> Twist also composed for films [''The Jungle Book'' (2016)](/source/The_Jungle_Book_(2016_film)), ''[Zoolander 2](/source/Zoolander_2)'', ''[Baywatch](/source/Baywatch_(film))'' and ''The Brooklyn Banker''.<ref name="IMDB">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5067014/|title=IMDB|website=IMDB|accessdate=20 December 2016}}</ref> Twist works in a range of [genres](/source/Music_genre) from ancient vocal music, [opera](/source/opera), [contemporary orchestral music](/source/Contemporary_classical_music), [jazz](/source/jazz), [musical theatre](/source/musical_theatre) and [cabaret](/source/cabaret).<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.joetwist.com|title=joetwist.com|website=joetwist.com|accessdate=20 December 2016}}</ref> Twist's concert works are performed by professional ensembles around the world. He worked in copying and orchestration on Hollywood studio films in Los Angeles with Steven Juliani Music.

== Early years and education ==

Joseph Edward Twist was born in 1982 in Queensland,<ref name="APRA Twist">{{cite web | publisher = [APRA AMCOS](/source/APRA_AMCOS) (Australasian Performing Right Association, Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society) | title = 'Joseph Twist' at APRA search engine | url = https://www.apraamcos.com.au/works-search?works=true&title=&writer=&performer=Joseph%20Twist | access-date = 20 December 2021 }}</ref><ref name="AMC Intro">{{Citation | title=Twist, Joseph (1982-) | journal=[Trove](/source/Trove) | year=2009 | url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.party-1440695 | access-date=20 December 2021 }}</ref><ref name="Bach 2012">{{cite web | url = https://www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/event/bach-with-a-twist | title = Bach with a Twist : To be confirmed : 29.Apr.12 : Event | publisher = Australian Music Centre (ANC) | date = 29 April 2012 | access-date = 20 December 2021 }}</ref> and grew up on the [Gold Coast](/source/Gold_Coast%2C_Queensland).<ref name="Cheney"/> He began learning keyboards and then piano with music teacher, Kathryn Bartlett.<ref name="Cheney">{{cite web | url=http://www.cutcommonmag.com/behind-the-conversation-with-lisa-cheney/index.html | title=Behind the Conversation | first=Lisa | last=Cheney | work=CutCommon | date=18 September 2017 | via=[National Library of Australia](/source/National_Library_of_Australia) | archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20180430064907/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/156120/20180430-1010/www.cutcommonmag.com/behind-the-conversation-with-lisa-cheney/index.html | archive-date=30 April 2018 | access-date=20 December 2021 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> At primary school, Twist studied piano with Bevan Crabtree and began composing music in his teens.<ref name="Cheney"/>

Twist holds four tertiary degrees in music composition. He completed his Bachelor (2003) and Master of Music at the [https://music.uq.edu.au/ School of Music], [University of Queensland](/source/University_of_Queensland) and studied composition under [Philip Bračanin](/source/Philip_Bra%C4%8Danin), [Richard Mills](/source/Richard_Mills_(composer)), [Nigel Butterley](/source/Nigel_Butterley), and subsequently with [Ira Newborn](/source/Ira_Newborn) and [Julia Wolfe](/source/Julia_Wolfe) in New York City.  His doctoral thesis, ''Folio of Compositions with Critical Commentary: An exploration of musical influences and composing techniques. Critical commentary'' was delivered to the [University of Queensland](/source/University_of_Queensland), School of Music in August 2009.<ref name="UQ Thesis">{{citation | author1=Joseph Twist | title=Folio of Compositions with Critical Commentary: An exploration of musical influences and composing techniques. Critical commentary | date=1 August 2009 | publisher=[University of Queensland](/source/University_of_Queensland), School of Music | url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/38013995 | access-date=20 December 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |work=UQ News |title=Facebook inspires UQ Centenary score |date=3 December 2010 |access-date=18 December 2021 |url=https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2010/12/facebook-inspires-uq-centenary-score |last=Mayocchi |first=David}}</ref> He started another doctorate at [Melbourne Conservatorium of Music](/source/Melbourne_Conservatorium_of_Music) with Elliott Gyger and [Katy Abbott-Kvasnica](/source/Katy_Abbott) supervising.<ref name="Cheney"/> He has also studied at the [Australian Film Television and Radio School](/source/Australian_Film%2C_Television_and_Radio_School),<ref name="campbell">{{cite web |url=https://cpb-ap-se2.wpmucdn.com/blogs.unimelb.edu.au/dist/6/184/files/2016/08/35-36_Campbell-Interview-1we6bif.pdf |work=Composer Interview |title=Eclectic Experience - Eclectic Style: An Interview with Joseph Twist |first=Peter |last=Campbell |access-date=18 December 2021 |date=2011}}</ref> and [New York University](/source/New_York_University_Institute_of_Fine_Arts).{{citation needed|date=December 2021}} Twist has participated in several film scoring programs around the United States, such as NYU ASCAP Film Scoring Workshop in New York<ref>{{cite web |url=http://soundslikesydney.com.au/news/the-choir-of-st-james-launches-cd-project/8512.html |date=16 July 2012 |title=The Choir of St James' launches CD Project |access-date=18 December 2021 |work=Sounds Like Sydney - News}}</ref> and the ASCAP Film and TV Workshop with [Richard Bellis](/source/Richard_Bellis) in Los Angeles.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}

== Career ==

Joseph Twist sang tenor for the Brisbane Chamber Choir (c. 2004),<ref>{{cite web | url=http://brisbanechamberchoir.org/members/index.shtml | title=Members | publisher=Brisbane Chamber Choir | year=2004 | via=National Library of Australia | archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20050623061625/http://brisbanechamberchoir.org/members/index.shtml | archive-date=23 June 2005 | access-date=20 December 2021 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Canticum (c. 2005),<ref name="Pana Musica"/> National Youth Choir of Australia and Guido's Hand.<ref name="Gondwana Profile">{{cite web | url=http://www.pemulwuy.org.au/new_music.htm | title=New Music: Featured Composer: Joseph Twist | publisher=Pemulwuy: National Music Festival | year=2008 | via=National Library of Australia | archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20080719001602/http://www.pemulwuy.org.au/new_music.htm | archive-date=19 July 2008 | access-date=20 December 2021 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> He was appointed composer-in-residence for [Gondwana Voices](/source/Gondwana_Choirs) for 2008.<ref name="Gondwana Profile"/><ref name="NCS 20th">{{cite web | url=http://www.accesspr.com.au/news/1596/220/GONDWANA-CELEBRATES-20-YEARS-OF-NATIONAL-CHORAL-SCHOOL- | title=Gondwana Celebrates 20 Years of National Choral School - Access, results driven media relations, digital marketing and media training | website=Access | last=Shields | first=Sarah | year=2017 | via=National Library of Australia | archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20170218004854/http://www.accesspr.com.au/news/1596/220/GONDWANA-CELEBRATES-20-YEARS-OF-NATIONAL-CHORAL-SCHOOL- | archive-date=18 February 2017 | access-date=20 December 2021 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

In 2009 he set [Judith Wright](/source/Judith_Wright)'s poem, "The Old Prison", to music.<ref name="Collins">{{cite web | url=http://www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/article/brisbane-chamber-choir.html | title=Brisbane Chamber Choir : Review (Event) Article | last=Collins | first=Sarah | publisher=Australian Music Centre (AMC) | date=14 August 2009 | via=National Library of Australia | archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20170803080151/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/119124/20170803-0503/www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/article/brisbane-chamber-choir.html | archive-date=3 August 2017 | access-date=20 December 2021 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Sarah Collins of the [Australian Music Centre](/source/Australian_Music_Centre) (AMC) attended the [Q150](/source/Q150) Celebration Concert at [St John's Cathedral](/source/St_John's_Cathedral_(Brisbane)) in July of that year.<ref name="Collins"/><ref name="Q150 Conc"/> The concert included Twist's adaptation of "The Old Prison" performed by the Brisbane Chamber Choir and the [Queensland Orchestra](/source/Queensland_Symphony_Orchestra) String Quartet for its world premiere.<ref name="Collins"/><ref name="Q150 Conc">{{Citation | author1=Brisbane Chamber Choir | author2=The Queensland Orchestra String Quartet | author3=Morton, Graeme | author4=Twist, Joseph | author5=Bonetti, Paul-Antoni | title=Q150 Celebration Concert | date=2009-07-26 | publisher=St John's Cathedral | url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/245309461 | access-date=20 December 2021}}</ref> Collins observed, "[he] sets the opening simple motif over a drone with wide temporal space between the intervals alluding to the flat, open landscape. This six-note (with anacrusis) opening motif becomes the germ upon which the work is based."<ref name="Collins"/>

His track, "How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?", was broadcast by the BBC.<ref name="BBC Profile">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/artists/d4df6e24-9092-46cd-a44d-b83e9db5dadc?trackfocus=n4b4xq |title= Joseph Twist |work=BBC Music |access-date= 2 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220184022/https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/artists/d4df6e24-9092-46cd-a44d-b83e9db5dadc?trackfocus=n4b4xq |archive-date=20 December 2018 }}</ref>

In 2019, he was commissioned to arrange [Men at Work](/source/Men_at_Work)'s hit song [Down Under](/source/Down_Under_(song)), for the [Sydney Symphony Orchestra](/source/Sydney_Symphony_Orchestra) for use at the State Memorial Service for former Australian Prime Minister [Bob Hawke](/source/Bob_Hawke) held at the [Sydney Opera House](/source/Sydney_Opera_House) on 19 June of that year.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Carmody |first1=Broede |title='Great honour': Colin Hay touched by poignant performance at Hawke memorial |url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/great-honour-colin-hay-touched-by-poignant-performance-at-hawke-memorial-20190614-p51xti.html |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=14 June 2019 |language=en}}</ref> 

In 2022 a cantata he composed to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the [murder of Dr George Duncan](/source/Murder_of_George_Duncan) premiered at the [Adelaide Festival](/source/Adelaide_Festival).<ref>{{cite news |title=Watershed: 'We always return to the river and we always return to Duncan' - InDaily |url=https://www.indaily.com.au/arts-culture/adelaide-festival/2022/01/12/watershed-we-always-return-to-the-river-and-we-always-return-to-duncan |work=www.indaily.com.au |date=12 January 2022 |language=en}}</ref>  It was revived by Opera Australia in 2024 for a season of performances at the Sydney Opera House.<ref>{{cite news |title=Watershed – The Death of Dr Duncan |url=https://limelight-arts.com.au/event/watershed-the-death-of-dr-duncan/2024-06-15/2/ |work=Limelight |language=en-AU}}</ref>

== Awards ==
Awards and recognition include:
* [ASCAP](/source/American_Society_of_Composers%2C_Authors_and_Publishers) Jimmy Van Heusen Award 2013<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ascapfoundation.org/programs/awards/award-recipients/jimmy-van-heusen |title=The ASCAP Foundation Jimmy Van Heusen Award |access-date=18 December 2021 |publisher=The ascap Foundation}}</ref>
* Chanticleer International Composition Competition<ref name="campbell"/>
* [APRA](/source/APRA_Awards_(New_Zealand)) Professional Development Award (Film and TV Category)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/article/apra-professional-development-award-to-joe-twist |title=APRA Professional Development Award to Joe Twist |work=resonate Magazine |author=Australian Music Centre |date=27 March 2013 |access-date=18 December 2021}}</ref>
* First-place in the 15th International Choral Composition Competition in 2011<ref name="campbell"/>

== Works ==

* "Wandering" (2003) – [SATB](/source/SATB) Brisbane Chamber Choir conducted by [Graeme Morton](/source/Graeme_Morton_(musician)), appears on ''Time and Eternity'' (2006)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.amcoz.com.au/product/time-and-eternity | title=CD: ''Time and Eternity'' / Brisbane Chamber Choir; Director, Graeme Norton. [2006] : Product | publisher=Australian Music Centre (AMC) | via=National Library of Australia | archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20180423180516/https://www.amcoz.com.au/product/time-and-eternity | archive-date=23 April 2018 | access-date=20 December 2021 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
*"Do not Stand at my Grave and Weep" – for SATB Choir. Commissioned by the [National Youth Choir of Australia](/source/National_Youth_Choir_of_Australia), 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/classic/daily/stories/s1502972.htm|title=Music Details for Wednesday 28 December 2005 |work=Up Late with Julian Day|publisher=[Australian Broadcasting Corporation](/source/Australian_Broadcasting_Corporation) (ABC)|accessdate=25 February 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musical-resourcesonlinestore.com/shop/product_view.asp?storeID=B33CA529D61F4CA183ABE5A175CD2C42&menu=0&pr=147662&seg=1&c0=102&c1=512&c2=929&type=Band/Choir/Orchestra&category=Choir&subcategory=SATB&chkMatchQ=all&SaveCategory=&txtQuickSearch=do%20not%20stand%20at%20my%20grave&priv=1|title=Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep - Morton Music - Musical Resources|accessdate=14 March 2017}}</ref>
**"Do not Stand at My Grave and Weep" by Canticum Chamber Choir, Emily Cox (conductor) appears on ''Choral Highlights – 7th World Symposium on Choral Music'' (CD album, May 2006)<ref name="Pana Musica">{{cite web | url = https://www.panamusica.co.jp/en/new/2006/05/ | title = New Titles | work = Pana Musica | date = May 2006 | access-date = 20 December 2021 }}</ref>
*"Love Themes" – a set of Madrigals for 6 Voices.  Written for The Song Company, 2005. (3mvts)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/classic/daily/stories/s1534694.htm|title=Music Details for Monday 16 January 2006|work=In Performance with Damien Beaumont|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)|accessdate=25 February 2010}}</ref>
*"Fanfare for the Common Consumer" (for Orchestra)<ref name="australianmusiccentre.com.au">{{cite web|url=http://www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/workversion/twist-joseph-fanfare-for-the-common-consumer/22964|title=Fanfare for the common consumer : from Symphony for a busy world by Joseph Twist : Work : Australian Music Centre|accessdate=14 March 2017}}</ref>
*"On the Night Train" for SATB Choir<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/workversion/twist-joseph-on-the-night-train/23606|title=On the night train : for mixed voices by Joseph Twist : Work : Australian Music Centre|accessdate=14 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musical-resourcesonlinestore.com/shop/product_view.asp?storeID=B33CA529D61F4CA183ABE5A175CD2C42&menu=0&pr=146595&seg=1&c0=102&c1=512&c2=929&type=Band/Choir/Orchestra&category=Choir&subcategory=SATB&chkMatchQ=all&SaveCategory=&txtQuickSearch=On%20the%20Night%20Train&priv=1|title=On the Night Train - Morton Music - Musical Resources|accessdate=14 March 2017}}</ref>
*"Wandering" for SATB Choir<ref name="a-cappella.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.a-cappella.com/product/8331/sheet_music_hinshaw_music |title=Hinshaw Music Sheet Music Titles - Wandering: Joseph Twist (Ed. Matthew D.Oltman) (SATB) |accessdate=2011-03-10 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707072010/http://www.a-cappella.com/product/8331/sheet_music_hinshaw_music |archivedate= 7 July 2011 }}</ref>
*"Rain Dream" for SSAA Choir and Piano<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/workversion/twist-joseph-rain-dream/23562|title=Rain dream : for treble voices and piano by Joseph Twist : Work : Australian Music Centre|accessdate=14 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musical-resourcesonlinestore.com/shop/product_view.asp?storeID=B33CA529D61F4CA183ABE5A175CD2C42&menu=0&pr=148638&seg=1&c0=102&c1=512&c2=923&type=Band/Choir/Orchestra&category=Choir&subcategory=SSAA&chkMatchQ=all&SaveCategory=&txtQuickSearch=Rain%20Dream&priv=1|title=Rain Dream - Morton Music - Musical Resources|accessdate=14 March 2017}}</ref>
*"I Dance Myself to Sleep" for Orchestra<ref name="mso.com.au">{{cite web|url=http://www.mso.com.au/cpa/htm/htm_event_detail.asp?page_id%3D1%26program_id%3D1393%26venue_id%3D3 |title=The MSO Website - What's on |accessdate=2011-03-10 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316151639/http://mso.com.au/cpa/htm/htm_event_detail.asp?page_id=1&program_id=1393&venue_id=3 |archivedate=16 March 2011 }}</ref>
*"How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?" for SATB Choir<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08n2489 BBC Radio 3 - Choral Evensong, Winchester Cathedral]</ref>
* "Ubi Caritas" on ''Luminescence'' (2016) by Canticum Chamber Choir<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.move.com.au/disc/luminescence | title=''Luminescence'' | last1=Cox | first1=Emily | last2=Wrench | first2=Christopher | publisher=Move Records | date=December 2016 | via=National Library of Australia | archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20170223210329/http://www.move.com.au/disc/luminescence | archive-date=23 February 2017 | access-date=20 December 2021 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
* ''An Australian Song Cycle'' for the "Garden of the Soul" programme for Sydney Chamber Choir<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.classikon.com/review-twists-triumphant-australian-song-cycle/ |title=Review: Twist's triumphant Australian Song Cycle |work=Ambassador Thoughts |publisher=classikON |date=21 November 2021 |first=Pepe |last=Newton |access-date=18 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://limelightmagazine.com.au/reviews/garden-of-the-soul-sydney-chamber-choir/ |work=Limelight Magazine |title=Review - Garden of the Soul (Sydney Chamber Choir) |date=22 November 2021 |access-date=18 December 2021 |first=Shamistha |last=de Soysa}}</ref>
* ''Watershed: The Death of Dr Duncan'' commissioned by the Adelaide Festival to commemorate 50 years since the infamous [drowning of Dr George Ian Ogilvie Duncan](/source/murder_of_George_Duncan).

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Twist, Joseph}}
Category:Living people
Category:Australian male composers
Category:1982 births
Category:Australian LGBTQ composers
Category:Australian emigrants to the United States
Category:21st-century Australian composers
Category:21st-century Australian LGBTQ people
Category:Musicians from Queensland
Category:Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University alumni
Category:University of Melbourne alumni

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Joseph Twist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Twist) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Twist?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.