"You just have to get yourself out there, and that’s the most difficult thing. Whether that’s meeting people in the foyer after concerts and shaking hands, becoming friends, then sending them your music, or entering competitions. Or cold-emailing people! You might not get an email back, but until people know your name nothing is going to happen" – Connor D'Netto

"On the day before the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Cybec 21st Century Australian Composers Concert, Megan Steller sat down with this year’s featured composers Ade, Cassie, Connor, and Stephen at Blondie in Melbourne’s Southbank for a coffee and a chat. Over an hour, they talked commissioning, getting started as a composer, making your own opportunities and working with the MSO. Find out how to hear the rest of the conversation at the bottom of the page. "

In conversation with Megan Steller, Rehearsal Magazine

This week, four new Australian works will be premiered by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Conductor Brett Kelly will take to the stage for the Cybec 21st Century Australian Composers Concert. The event will feature pieces from early-mid career artists Ade Vincent (VIC), Cassie To (NSW), Connor D’Netto (QLD), and Stephen de Filippo (WA).

The four composers come together to tell CutCommon readers what their works are all about, and the personal exploration they’ve taken through their music.

by CutCommon

Bringing to life a surround sound space opera

by Megan Steller, Rehearsal Magazine

"Ever wondered what another universe would sound like? Brisbane classical/electronic duo Argo will show you this month when they set best-selling sci-fi novel Illuminae to music for the Brisbane Writers Festival.

The duo is made up of young composers Connor D’Netto and Ben Heim, and together they’ve created a cinematic, “surround sound” experience that’s set to place audiences in the centre of this explosive book from Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. Think artificial intelligence and star cruiser battles against a backdrop of live strings and electronics.

Sounds pretty cool, huh?"

by Stephanie Eslake, CutCommon

"With Ben conducting, and controlling the synthesisers, and Connor on keyboards, this was a typically innovative offering from this talented young duo of composer musicians, whose unique multi-sensory concerts transcend the traditional concept of orchestral music"

by Karen and John Hutt, Scenestr.

"The overall effect of ‘Flow’ was profoundly relaxing and soothing, as the stresses of the week melted away in this otherworldly, multi-sensory experience."

by Karen and John Hutt, Scenestr.

"Argo do performances rather than concerts proper. Which is to say that you really have to be there to get it . . . it’s certain to make you stop and think and listen. I definitely recommend it."

by Carolina Caliaba, 4ZZZ reviews