2018: Dr Jillian Graham

Biography: Beyond the stave: A biography of Australian composer and arts activist Margaret Sutherland (1897–1984)

Margaret Sutherland was one of the most innovative and influential Australian composers of the first half of the 20th century. She was also a tireless advocate for composers and for the arts in general in Australia.

In her desire to be both a serious composer and a mother, Sutherland was atypical of her era and faced particular challenges, public and private, in blending these roles. To date, there is no biography of this unconventional and iconic Australian figure.

Jillian worked on a scholarly biography during her fellowship, researching the important material housed in both the State Library Victoria and University of Melbourne collections.

Jillian Graham is currently ‎Director, ‎Articulate Writing Solutions, offering a range of writing, editing and transcription services. She holds a B Mus (oboe), M Mus (Musicology) and PhD in the Faculty of Music and the Australian Centre (School of Historical and Philosophical Studies) (University of Melbourne).

Jillian has written a number of program articles for Opera Australia's productions, and has presented and written on the topic of women composers for radio and at seminars and conferences.