The Goulburn Regional Conservatorium took out the Award for Excellence in a Regional Area at the Art Music Awards in Melbourne on Tuesday night for last November’s Oratorio.

The multi-arts event, which celebrated Goulburn’s 150th birthday, incorporated music composed by Stephen Leek, dramatic elements performed by the Lieder Theatre and other actors, recitation, poetry, puppetry and dance.

“It’s overwhelming to receive the recognition because hundreds of musicians were involved,” Con director Paul Scott-Williams said.

“The music was an amazing thing created by Stephen Leek and it was no mean feat bringing together so many people from across the region. To do what we did with the resources we had was incredible and marks a milestone in the evolution of the Con and music across the region generally.”

The Art Music Awards celebrate the achievement and creative success of composers, performers and educators in the genres of contemporary art music, jazz and experimental music. Some of Australia’s finest artists were among this year’s winners.

Mr Scott-Williams said there were 300 entries across all categories and he was “flummoxed” to reach the finals.

“I didn’t have a speech prepared because I thought there was no way we could win,” he said.

“I had to think on my feet but I think I thanked everyone I had to.”

The judging panel, comprising Sheena Boughen, Jo Parkes and Amanda Wojtowicz, stated: “This project stood out for its clearly considered commitment by the Conservatorium and composer Stephen Leek, to embed this project in the fabric of Goulburn life from conception through to the lasting legacy afterwards.

“Involving a diverse range of partners, regional collaborations and literally hundreds of participants, this multi-layered work was a first for the Conservatorium and the community. Through its accessibility and inclusiveness, it was a true celebration of place and the value of music to the lives of the people.”

The 90-minute Oratorio, set to atmospheric lighting, explored Goulburn’s story from its indigenous beginnings, progress and an imagined future.

Mr Scott-Williams said the award was especially pleasing as he felt the music had always been “overlooked and under discussed.”

“The pieces for choir were really beautiful,” he said.

“They’re not just things that can be used once and forgotten about but can be used again and again…This award is a tribute to the resilience of Goulburn musicians and the hundreds of hours they put in and I’m so grateful for what they achieved.”

He described the Oratorio as a “totally transforming experience.”

Mr Scott-Williams accepted the award with the Con’s performance and outreach manager Keva Abotomey, who he said was subconductor and played a key role in coordinating the musicians.