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September 2011 — The AYO’s quarterly update
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Stepping Stones |
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The Australian Youth Orchestra provides opportunities every
step of the way for young Australian musicians.
It’s a perennial dilemma for an aspiring musician – how to bridge the gap between tertiary training and the profession? The Australian Youth Orchestra runs several programs which seek to assist our young musicians in making that transition.
In association with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, each year approximately ten AYO string players are selected to take part in the MSO String Fellowships. During this program, they are put through the rigours of a mock audition, take part in a professional rehearsal with the MSO, and participate in several Professional Development workshops. Topics for these might include intensive work on audition excerpts and concertos, panel discussions on life in an orchestra, health and wellbeing, and music and the media.
Later this year, with the assistance of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra,
37 AYOers will appear in concert with the TSO as part of their Masters series. Our young musicians will again be put through their paces under professional conditions – there is limited time to learn and rehearse the music, reflecting the realities of the job. The concert includes two staples of the symphonic repertoire – Richard Strauss’s Also sprach Zarathustra, and Mahler’s Symphony No.1. In situ, the musicians learn crucial aspects of the job, including orchestral etiquette, and develop vital contacts with professional musicians.
“This opportunity stands as a great pillar in my educational and career development.” Former Orchestral Career Development participant
The results of AYO programs like these demonstrate themselves when our alumni secure positions in orchestras around the world. In 2011, many of those alumni will be making their way back to Australia for a special performance by the Australian World Orchestra. This project is the brainchild of conductor Alexander Briger, whose uncle was the famous Australian conductor Sir Charles Mackerras. The AWO is ‘borrowing’ close to 100 of Australia’s finest musicians from their jobs in orchestras overseas, as well as bringing musicians together from around Australia, to form an ‘über’ orchestra for three special performances in Sydney. Almost 70% of that orchestra will be AYO alumni. And the four youngest faces on the stage will be those of current AYOers – Liisa Pallandi (violin), Matthew Laing (viola), Adam Szabo
(cello) and Sophia Ang (percussion) – each of them hoping that this step will prove the next positive one on their path towards life as a professional musician.
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Contents |
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Concert Calendar |
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Victoria |
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AYO Regional Residencies:
Ensemble-in-Residence
Glasshouse String Quartet
Touring regional Victoria
Monday 15 August
– Sunday 11 September 2011
Zellwood String Quartet
Touring regional Victoria
Monday 10 October
– Sunday 6 November 2011
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Tasmania |
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TSO & AYO in Concert
Sebastian Lang-Lessing conductor
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R. STRAUSS Also sprach Zarathustra
MAHLER Symphony No.1 in D Major ‘Titan’
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Federation Concert Hall, Hobart
Friday 30 September, 7.30pm
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Australian Capital Territory |
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AYO 2012 National Music Camp
Saturday 14 January 2012
4.00pm AYO Orchestral
Concert #1
7.30pm AYO Orchestral
Concert #2
Saturday 21 January 2012
4.00pm AYO Orchestral
Concert #1
7.30pm AYO Orchestral
Concert #2
Llewellyn Hall, ANU School of Music, Canberra
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Inside AYO |
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AYO violinist Natasha Conrau blogged about her experiences in the Australian Youth Orchestra’s July Season. Here is an extract of her work.
July 13 Day One
First rehearsal in Eugene Goossens Hall. We ran through Nielsen’s Symphony No.5 and Vine’s Violin Concerto. The Nielsen contains one incredibly long unison passage for the string section. Prior to the rehearsal I heard a lot of comments like “how are we possibly going to play it that fast, in unison, in tune, and make it sound good?” Fabian Russell very kindly took it at a reasonable ‘first rehearsal speed’ and while it was definitely a tad messy, the terror was lifted. It did, however, reveal just how much work we’re going to have to do to get this polished in just a week. And the challenge begins!
July 17 Day Five
We met our conductor Thomas Dausgaard. He immediately engaged us with the way he spoke. When we began playing the Nielsen, I was struck by the way he so precisely communicated what he wanted without saying a thing. When we got to La Mer, so many moments I had been unsure of how to play were suddenly easy and logical. He quite vividly brought the music to life in such a short period of time and I await the next rehearsal with a ridiculous amount of anticipation!
July 20 Day Nine
Well, what a few days it has been. We’ve been rehearsing Carl Vine’s Violin Concerto with our soloist, Dene Olding at the Sydney Opera House. I was quite flabbergasted at the way Dene casually and calmly smashed the living daylights out of this piece (in a good way!). How lucky we are to be premiering a work with a musician like him! Another privilege was having Carl Vine himself at the rehearsals, as well as the Hon. Jane Mathews AO, who commissioned the piece. Then on Wednesday came what we’ve all been working towards – our first concert. For the majority of the orchestra’s members it was their first time performing at the Opera House, marking it as quite a special occasion. The night concluded with some incredibly loud cheering, a few screams, and a lot of applause. In less than 24 hours we
are going to have to rejoin the real world and go back home so in the meantime I am going to play my heart out in the two concerts we have left. Farewell to AYO July Season!
The AYO would like to pay special tribute to the Hon. Jane Mathews AO for her unwavering support of Australian classical music through commissioning the Carl Vine Violin Concerto for The Australian Youth Orchestra in July 2011.
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Interview: A Player’s Perspective |
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The Glasshouse String Quartet will be one of AYO’s Ensembles-in-Residence this year, touring regional areas of Victoria in a month-long intensive program starting in August. One of its members, Glenn Christensen, chatted with Aleisha Conlay about the quartet, the AYO and performing classical music in regional areas.
Glenn Christensen, you are participating in the Regional Residencies Ensemble-in-Residence program. Can you tell us a bit about your ensemble, the Glasshouse String Quartet?
Our quartet started properly in 2009, after years of playing together in various groups and combinations. The members of the Glasshouse Quartet are myself, Caroline Hopson, Susanna Ling and Dale Rickert. Three out of the four of us hail from regional Queensland, and moved to Brisbane to further our musical education, and all of us play professionally in various groups here and interstate. As a quartet, we’re still fairly new, so we’re really looking forward to this intensive residency as it’ll help us develop as a group.
What are you most looking forward to about this program and why?
As a group, we really have a passion for bringing music to regional communities, and we’re really excited to be doing this residency in Albury. Regional audiences really appreciate classical music, as it’s not something that is as easily accessible to them as opposed to a capital city, and we get a real buzz out of doing performances like these. Also the opportunity to work with fantastic tutors on some really exciting repertoire will be a lot of fun. We’re all really great friends so as well as being a challenging month, I think we’ll have a great deal of fun, and a lot of laughs! All members of your quartet are past and current AYO participants.
What did you get out of your AYO experiences that could not be provided elsewhere?
The opportunity to work with other really passionate, young and fun musicians is definitely one of the biggest highlights of AYO. The calibre of the tutors, conductors and staff that we get to work with is also really exciting, and there is always a really infectious energy about AYO programs. AYO provides a great chance to make lifelong friends and contacts while also being part of an incredibly inspiring environment with a high standard of music-making.
What has been a highlight for the Glasshouse Quartet so far?
There have been a few highlights – playing live on BBC radio in London last year whilst on the AYO International Tour was huge! Playing in a masterclass for the Borodin String Quartet was pretty intense, but we learnt so much. The best experience we’ve had so far was running a Chamber Music Festival in Dale’s hometown of Bundaberg.
What does the future hold for the Glasshouse Quartet?
We’re all looking into studying overseas, and possibly the option of studying together somewhere as a quartet. We have no concrete plans at the moment, so we’ll just have to see what happens...
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Alumni Profile: Toby Lea |
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The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra returns to Australia in September and October, visiting Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth following the orchestra’s Australian debut at the Sydney Opera House in 2006 under Valery Gergiev.
Among its numbers are two members of The Australian Youth Orchestra’s alumni, twin brothers Ben and Toby Lea. For violinist Ben and principal viola Toby, it will be a welcome homecoming. Says Toby: “Coming back to play in Australia with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is just the greatest privilege. Two of the things I love most in my life are combined when my work in the VPO brings me home to the country I love and miss.”
Toby began his early music education on the violin and was involved in Music Camp tradition from the age of eight when he attended his first State May Music Camp. He then participated annually, his first National Music Camp being at 16, in 1983. He continued with both National Music Camp and the Australian Youth Orchestra until leaving to study in Vienna in 1987.
Toby’s first AYO experience was on the 1984 European Tour. Both Ben and he had auditioned for the tour as violinists, but three weeks before the tour began, a violist had to drop out. Toby recalls: “David Bishop, the Director of AYO at the time, knew I played a little bit of viola as well and asked if I could play the tour as a violist! I immediately accepted, taking my place on the last desk. The tour was my first time in Europe, and the first significant time away from my twin brother. Musically and socially, it was a fabulous experience. I was amongst the youngest members on the tour, but was accepted into an orchestra which had been together for nearly three years.” By the following AYO season, Toby was leading the viola section.
Like many members of the AYO alumni, Toby has found that the experience gained leading a section, and playing not just orchestral, but also chamber music with some of the most talented musicians in Australia, proved to be essential in his development as a professional orchestral musician. Says Toby: “With the hindsight that my experience now gives me, I am convinced that the AYO rivals any youth orchestra in the world for musicianship and devotion to exceptional playing. The electrifying commitment to excellence present in every AYO performance is something one rarely experiences again. There are countless ex AYO members who now hold positions in top orchestras around the world, and all those I’ve spoken with agree that the AYO was an integral part of their development as professional musicians.”
The Australian Youth Orchestra looks forward to welcoming Toby and Ben back on home soil and wishes them both a very successful tour with the VPO.
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Tribute: David Bishop OAM |
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The Australian Youth Orchestra was saddened to learn of the recent passing of David Bishop. David, son of AYO founder Professor John Bishop, had a very long involvement with the AYO. He was made an Honorary Life Member following many years undertaking a wide variety of roles.
David attended National Music Camp in 1948 playing cello, and later directed the National Music Camps in 1983, 1984, and 1985. He also carried on the role of auditioner and tour manager for AYO activities in Australia and overseas.
For many years David was a board member of The Australian Youth Orchestra, formerly known as the National Music Camp Association.
David Bishop made a significant contribution to youth music including his involvement in the founding of State Music Camps in South Australia which led to the foundation of SA Youth Orchestra, the precursor of today’s Adelaide Youth Orchestra.
Colin Cornish, AYO’s Chief Executive Officer who spoke at David’s funeral on 2 August said “David was a force behind the development of thousands of young musicians over many decades. Like his father, his vision was to provide opportunities that not only enhanced the musical capability of our youth but (through programs such as residential Music Camps) help young people develop a way of living.”
Our thoughts are with David’s wife Josie and her family at this sad time.
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Alumni: News |
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Two AYO Alumni have been awarded 2011 Churchill Fellowships: Christina Katsimbardis (National Music Camp 2004, AYO 2004, 2005, 2007) will undertake intensive contemporary violin tuition with renowned pedagogues Mary Rowell and Curt Macomber in Canada and the United States. Simon Thew (AYO 1997, 1998) will study with renowned conductors and leading ballet companies and ochestras in Austria, UK, Russia, and the United States. Congratulations to Christina and Simon from everyone at AYO!
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International Tour Fund Update |
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The AYO takes flight in 2013 – help us secure their ticket!
Planning for the 2013 international tour is already underway and the AYO is busy raising funds to ensure that over 90 of Australia’s best young musicians will have the opportunity to perform in renowned venues, and gain valuable experience on the world stage.
To ensure the tour will go ahead we have a fundraising target of $180,000 each year; this year alone our generous donors have helped the AYO to raise over $128,000! If you would like to see us reach the ‘magic number’ before the end of 2011, please consider sending in a donation today or keep an eye out for our fundraising activities in your state.
Warm thanks must go to Dr Carmel & Dr Harry Crock, and Erin Flaherty & David Maloney who generously hosted events in their homes to raise money for the international tour.
For more information or to make a donation, please contact Antonia Brownlee, Development Director on 02 9276 2103; AntoniaBrownlee@ayo.com.au
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Donors Listing |
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The AYO would like to thank our generous donors for their support of the AYO’s International Tour Fund.
AYO International Tour Fund Founding Donor Mr Sheldon Trainor
$10,000+ Mr Robert Albert AO & Mrs Libby Albert,
Mrs Janet Cooke & Mrs Joyce Sproat, Mrs Louise Gourlay OAM*,
Mr Simon & Mrs Leonie Marks*, Mr Leonard Spira OAM & Mrs Gail Spira,
Mr Peter Weiss AM* $5,000+ The Cybec Foundation,
Mrs Christina Green & Mr Maurice Green AM*, Ms Virginia Henderson AM,
Mr Chris John*, Dr Barry Landa*, Mr Ion Teska*, Ms Mary Vallentine AO*,
Mr Bruce & Mrs Jocelyn Wolfe, Anonymous (1) $3,000+ AMBAC,
Mr Paul Armstrong, Mrs Christine Bishop, Mr Bill Bowness, Mrs Tanya Branwhite,
Rev. Dr Arthur Bridge AM, Ms Annabelle Chaplain & Mr Andrew Willink,
R & M Champion de Crespigny Foundation, Mr Martin Dickson AM & Mrs Susie Dickson,
Ms Erin Flaherty & Mr David Maloney, Ms Nancy Fox & Mr Bruce Arnold*,
Mr Daniel & Mrs Helen Gauchat, Mr Ian & Mrs Cass George, Mr Peter & Mrs Liz Kelly,
Mr Wayne Kratzmann, Mr David Marr & Mr Sebastian Tesoriero,
Mr Ron, Mrs Lynn & Marcus Ogden, Dr Damien Thomson & Dr Glenise Berry,
Mr Cameron Williams, Emeritus Professor Di Yerbury AO,
Mr Frank & Mrs Susan Zipfinger, Anonymous (3) $1,000+ Mr Leonard Amadio AO,
AustCham Beijing, Mr Lance Bartholomeusz & Ms Claire Mitchell,
Mrs Keryn & Mr Paul Brunner, Mr Rod Cameron, Mr Alan & Mrs Jillian Cobb,
Mr Colin Cornish & Ms Lisa Mitchell, Mrs Jane & Mr Rob Diamond,
Dr Linda English, Mr Peter Grant, The Greatorex Foundation,
Dr Des Griffin AM & Dr Janette Griffin, Mr Tony Grybowski, Mr Richard & Mrs Evelyn Hill,
Dr David & Mrs Sarah Howell, Kenneth Hunt Memorial Fund*,
Mr Tony & Mrs Lee Ingman, Mr Phillip Isaacs OAM, The Koumoukelis Family,
Mr Nicholas & Mrs Denise Le Messurier, Macquarie Group Foundation,
Ms Amanda Mark, Dr Dennis Mather & Mr John Studdert, Justice Jane Mathews AO,
Mrs Tempe Merewether OAM, Mr Stephen & Mrs Amanda Minns, Ms Clare Pullar,
Patricia H. Reid Endowment Fund, Mr Ray & Mrs Ann Schoer,
Mr John Sharpe & Ms Claire Armstrong, Ms Margaret Sullivan,
UBS Australia Foundation, Ms Cath Ward, Mr Peter Waters, Dr Penelope Weir,
Dr Peter & Mrs Katrine Wickham, Mr Ray Wilson OAM,
Youth Music Foundation Australia, Anonymous (3)
Up to $999 Dr Rick & Mrs Julie Abbott, Professor Chris & Mrs Wendy Adam,
Mrs Antoinette Albert, Mr David Alexander, Ms Karen Alexander, Mr Philip Bacon AM,
Ms Naomi Bailey, Mrs Heather Barker, Mr Mark Bayliss, Mrs Annabel Baxter,
Mr Andrew & Mrs Robina Brookes, Mr Philip Amery, Ms Georgina de Beaujeu,
Mr Christopher & Mrs Merrilyn Beeny, Ms Nicole Berger,
Mr David & Mrs Penny Buckland, Mrs Mary Jo & Mr Lloyd Capps, Mrs Sally Chapman,
Mrs Louise Christie, Mr Michael & Mrs Christine Clough, Ms Gillian Clyde,
Mr John Davidson, Mr Espie Dods, Mrs Ruth Dyer, Mr Jeremy & Mrs Kate Eccles,
Mrs Katherine Elder, Mr Marcus & Mrs Jodie Elsum, The Farrands Family,
Mr Peter Fay & Mr Robin Evans, Senator Mark Furner, Ms Jenny Garber,
Ms Kerry Gardner, Ms Anna Gauchat, Professor Robert Gilbert,
Dr Ross & Mrs Marjorie Gilby, Ms Sue Gillies, Ms Mary Goldfinch, Mrs June Gordon,
Mr Richard Griffin AM & Mrs Flora Griffin, Mrs Gillian Halliday, Mrs Colleen Hamilton,
Mr Alan Hauserman & Ms Janet Nash, Mrs Janet Hayes, Mr Frank Hills, Mr Tim Hobbs,
Dr Darryl & Dr Katherine Hodgkinson, Mr Martin Hoffman & Ms Andrea Koch,
Mr Mark & Mrs Wendy Hogarth, Mr R J & Mrs S H Hunt,
Mr Richard Hyne & Mrs Loretta Bertoldo-Hyne, Mr Alan Jenkins, Mr Malcolm John,
Mr Merv Keehn & Ms Sue Harlow, The Kemp Family, Mr Stephen & Mrs Kylie King,
Mrs Rachelle & Mr Jeff Lee, Ms Siobhan Lenihan, Mr Brian & Mrs Meg Lewis,
Mr Clive Lucas OBE, Mr Robin & Mrs Barbara Marrett, Mrs Jennifer Mattocks,
Mrs Gillian McCracken, Dr John & Mrs Jill McEwin, Mr Peter Murray, Mr Hugh Nalder,
Mr Ludo Onstein, Mr Marque & Mrs Rose Owen, Ms Philippa Paige, Mr Frank Pam,
Mrs Greeba Pritchard, Ms Shefali Pryor, Mr Neville & Mrs Petrine Quist,
Mrs Sally Rasmussen, Mr Kirrill Reztsov, Ms Susan Rix, Dr Alan Roberts,
Mrs Noeline Sandblom, Dr Tim Scott, Mrs Jill Seale, Mr David & Dr Susan Shannon,
Dr Marie Siganto AM, Mrs Marjorie Sinclair, Mrs Angela Somers, Mrs Elizabeth Storrs,
Mrs Susan Sweeney, Mr Robert & Mrs Nicola Swift, Mrs Sue Taylor, Ms Pamela Thornton,
Mr Robert & Mrs Esther Toland, Mr Paul & Mrs Jane Tongs,
Ms Louise Walsh & Mr David Jordan, Ms Michele Walsh, Mr R & Mrs J Williams,
Mrs Janet Wilson, Mr Graham Wood OAM, Mrs Pamela Yule, Anonymous (7)
* Denotes donors to Scholarship & ITF programs
Your lasting legacy to the AYO. To ensure the participation and professional training of future young Australian musicians please consider leaving a gift to AYO in your will. Please contact Sarah Howell at SarahHowell@ayo.com.au or call 1300 668 500.
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