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Homegrown

Themes of nature, motherhood, and a profound spiritual connection to place pervade Homegrown — a luminous new recording of art song performed by soprano Rebecca Cassidy and pianist Alex Raineri, featuring works by Australian women composers.

The album brings together works by Deborah Cheetham Fraillon, Lisa Cheney, Dulcie Holland, Peggy Glanville-Hicks, Linda Kouvaras, Miriam Hyde, Melody Eötvös, Mary Mageau, and Betty Beath — composers whose music is deeply rooted in Australian stories, landscapes, and voices. Each work celebrates the rich diversity of Australian art song.

Soprano Rebecca Cassidy is acclaimed for her versatility and expressive artistry, performing repertoire from early music to contemporary works. Pianist Alex Raineri is a leading interpreter of new music, known for his sensitivity, technical precision, and collaborations with Australian composers. Together, Cassidy and Raineri bring a compelling intimacy and clarity to the art songs on Homegrown, illuminating the emotional depth and cultural richness of each work.

Highlights include the world-premiere recordings of ‘Crepe Myrtle Sky’ (Cheetham Fraillon), ‘Gratitude and Grief’ (Cheney) — reflecting the joys and intensity of contemporary motherhood — and ‘Son of Mine’ (Mageau / Oodgeroo Noonuccal, each a moving reflection on belonging, identity, and the intimacy of voice and piano.

Commissioned in part by the Brisbane Music Festival and supported by Creative Australia, Homegrown affirms the vibrancy of contemporary Australian art song, brought to life by two of our country’s foremost interpreters of new music.

Artists

Rebecca Cassidy

Rebecca Cassidy is a distinguished Australian soprano known for her exceptional vocal ability and strong presence across opera and concert stages. Her growing prominence is reflected in major performances, leadership roles, and nationwide recognition for her artistry.

Alex Raineri

Alex Raineri is an active recitalist, concerto soloist and chamber musician. Alex is the Artistic Director of the Brisbane Music Festival and is a passionate exponent of contemporary music, having given over 130 World Premieres to date.


Track Listing

  1. Hope in Spring Dulcie Holland
  2. River Mother, River Child (from ‘River Songs’) Betty Beath Jena Woodhouse
  3. By Train* (from ‘Wakeford Songs’) Melody Eötvös Muriel Wakeford
  4. Come Sleep Peggy Glanville-Hicks John Fletcher
  5. Distant Lullaby (from ‘Art and Life’) Linda Kouvaras
  6. Lullaby Lisa Cheney
  7. Gratitude and Grief Lisa Cheney Jessica Urlichs
  8. Brownhill Creek in Spring Miriam Hyde
  9. Dream Land Miriam Hyde Christina Rossetti
  10. Son of Mine Mary Mageau Oodgeroo Noonuccal
  11. Crepe Myrtle Sky Deborah Cheetham Fraillon

Performers

Composers

Dulcie Holland

Dulcie Holland is a prolific composer of many genres and has made a significant contribution to Australian music education through her theory textbooks.

Peggy Glanville-Hicks

Peggy Glanville-Hicks was born in Melbourne, studying in London, Vienna and Paris. She moved to America in 1942, and to Athens in 1959. Her activities on behalf of contemporary music and musicians were extraordinary.

Linda Kouvaras

Linda Kouvaras is a pianist, composer and musicologist, with particular interests in contemporary music. She has recorded, commissioned, and premiered numerous contemporary Australian works for piano, performing extensively in city and regional centres.

Miriam Hyde

Miriam Hyde's style is lyrical and post-romantic. Her considerable output represents many genres and she is very well known for her piano music, particularly the numerous pieces written for students.

Mary Mageau

Composing in a large number of genres, Mary Mageau's catalogue includes works for symphony and string orchestra, chorus, ballet, theatre, solo instruments, various chamber ensembles and voice.

Deborah Cheetham Fraillon

Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO, Yorta Yorta woman, soprano, composer and educator has been a leader and pioneer in the Australian arts landscape for more than 25 years.


Where to buy

Homegrown is available as as CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer secure online ordering.

Move CDs can be ordered through music retailers across Australia including Readings.

Product details

List price
$25.00 AUD
Release date
November 2025
Copyright
© 2025 Rebecca Cassidy and Alex Raineri
Phonogram
℗ 2025 Move Records
Categories
Australian, Classical
Catalogue number
MCD 664
Alternate catalogue number
MCD664
Barcode
EAN 8721416766404