at Wollongong High School of Performing Arts Music and Tea at the Gallery 2023 Concerts

March 2, Sounds of Enchantment

Luke Bowen | piano with Cedar Newman | violin

April 6, Wondrous Flute Melodies

Annabel Wouters | flute with David Vance | piano

May 3, Meditations by Nightfall Paul Nicolaou | harp & Robert Smith | violin

June 7, An Odyssey of Romance Jack

Theakston | cello with John Martin | piano

Can you remember when music, particularly flute, was not part of your life? Since the minute I was born, music has been a huge part of my life. With my mother, Suzanne Cowan, being a highly successful flute teacher, music surrounded me, and I became involved right from the beginning. When I was tall enough, I started flute – after begging to do it for years beforehand. Choosing the flute meant I had somebody to guide me on my musical journey because of this; I cannot remember a part of my life without music.

Music at your level is very difficult; what is most challenging for you, and what is most rewarding?

For me, the most challenging part of classical music is finding enough time to practise –especially when juggling it with school, family, and sleep. It is often a struggle to find the motivation to practice early in the morning before school or at night after a long day. However, when it comes to performance, the most rewarding thing is seeing all my hard work pay off, which makes every struggle worth it.

You already teach, how does it contribute to your music?

Teaching improves my ear and ability to be picky when perfecting a piece of music. It opens my creativity and forces me to think outside of the box to help the student improve. I have learnt many valuable new skills through teaching, and I know there is still much to learn.

Any dreams about your future as a musician?

I plan to continue a career in music. As a professional musician I would love a full-time position in an orchestra, which could let me explore the world. A career as a musician is challenging, but I am willing to work to make it happen.

July 6, Jazz Trio Returns with More Original Compositions Alec Watts and friends

Aug 3, Take a Second Celebrating Second Movements Emily Liston | classical clarinet

Sept 7, Masterworks and Improvisation: Classical & Jazz Michael de Huy | piano

Oct 5, Arias and Art Songs Ariana Ricci | voice with Natalia Ricci | piano

Nov 2, Italian Journeys Beatrice Colombis | violin with Mauro Colombis | piano

Dec 7, Birth and Rebirth & Premier of New Works Paul Nicolaou | harp, Emily Su | violin & James Monro | cello

Cedar with her mum, Felicity Woodhill