FQ SYNDICATE

An initiative to foster the collective commissioning of new Australian string quartets

Drawing on nature, important causes, society and the personal, Robert McIntyre (he/him) is an Australian composer who holds space for moments to achieve a multi-faceted sense of visibility. McIntyre holds a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Composition with First Class Honours from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, supervised by Prof. Stuart Greenbaum and Dr. Katy Abbott, a Juris Doctor from the Melbourne Law School, is a Wattle Fellow and an Associate Artist represented by the Australian Music Centre.

Described as 'strikingly contemporary', McIntyre works with leading ensembles/collaborators, such as Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Flinders Quartet, 3MBS Music, Collide, Syzygy Ensemble, and has undertaken noteworthy programs including MSO Cybec 21st Century Australian Composers’ Program, Composing in the Wilderness, and more. Notably, McIntyre received the 2023 Dorian Le Gallienne Composition Award for his climate justice song-cycle ‘Our Duty to Care’ and selection to represent Australia at the 2025 ISCM World New Music Days Festival in Portugal.

Join FQ SYNDICATE #8 now

FQ Syndicate #8 supports the commission of a new work by Australian composer, Robert McIntyre.

Robert first caught our attention through a composer program application, and we’ve followed his impressive growth ever since. His award-winning piece Our Duty to Care will be performed at Melbourne Recital Centre in August 2025.

This year, we’re launching a new project with Robert, inspired by his passion for the environment and climate change. He will compose a piece for FQ and Resonance String Orchestra, premiering in Castlemaine in 2026 alongside a creation story by local First Nations artists. This work aims to spark dialogue on our relationship with the environment.

Composer Robert McIntyre (photo credit: Rudi Lorimer)

Robert'S WEBSITE

FQ Syndicate brings together groups of people passionate about new work. Each person gives $500 (or more, if you like!) towards commissioning a piece to be developed and premiered by FQ.

Flinders Quartet is proud to hold a special place within the evolution of Australian chamber music. With a deep passion and understanding of new music, we champion Australian composers and go to great lengths to share the music in its best light.

“When the history of chamber music performance and collaboration with Australian composers is eventually written, the Flinders Quartet will be front and centre of that history.”

— Calvin Bowman, Composer & Collaborator

We would like to invite you to join us on this exciting, and often surprising, commissioning journey. It can be an incredible experience to be part of creating something entirely new. Something unique and deeply personal. Something that could not have been created without your support. You will have exclusive access to behind-the-scenes details and opportunities, and where possible, the chance to meet the composer of your syndicate.

If you would like to learn more about the works commissioned through FQ Syndicate so far, scroll down for details of the composers, filmed performances of the commissioned works, and links to the composers’ websites.