The AKA Project

A collaboration with leading Albanian composers of the current generation, the AKA Project (Albania/Kosovo/Australia) led to the creation of a unique body of compositions for the distinctive combination of trumpet and guitar. New works by Albanian composers Enis Mullaj, Kris Sopoqoti, Kreshnik Aliçkaj, and Jetmir Zaganjori explore a wide range of expressive devices and utilise both acoustic and electric modes of performance.

Dynamic new repertoire by Australian composers Alan Holley, Johanna Selleck, and Ken Murray alongside works by Avni Krasniqi and Eriona Rushiti complete the program which the Murray Brennan Duo performed on a tour of Albania (Albanian Brass Festival) and Kosovo (DAM Festival) in 2024. Numerous follow-up performances in Australian venues, together with the continued addition of new works by Paul Moulatlet and Andrián Pertout, have led to a recording project to document this repertoire, with an anticipated release in mid-2026.

The project has been overseen by Australia's own Alan Holley, whose collaboration with — and mentoring of — Albanian composers stretches back over a decade. While on tour, Alan, Joel, and Ken worked with music students at the University of Arts, Tirana and the University of Pristina. The project would not have come to fruition without the vision, efforts, and generosity of Ilir Kodhima to whom all of the musicians involved are deeply grateful.