#03 / 2012
Newsbeat Australian Youth Orchestra’s Quarterly Publication
Principal Sponsor
UPCOMING CONCERTS
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TSO & AYO In Concert
AYO Chamber Players 2012
Friday 7th September 2012, 7:30pm Federation Hall, Hobart, TAS
Friday 28 September 7:30pm Saturday 29 September 2:30pm The Ballroom, Government House St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA
Marko Letonja Conductor Piers Lane Piano Repertoire DUKAS The Sorcerer’s Apprentice VINE Piano Concerto No 2 PROKOFIEV Symphony No 5 Book tickets at www.tso.com.au
Music Director Dale Barltrop Violin AYO musicians will perform in String Quartets and Piano Trios in two concerts of music including works by: Beethoven, Brahms, Britten, Dvorak, Haydn, Ligeti, Mendelssohn, Mozart and Schumann Free Admission
AUSTRALIAN YOUTH ORCHESTRA 2013 INTERNATIONAL TOUR Australian Youth Orchestra Christoph Eschenbach conductor Joshua Bell violin 3 August 5 August
Sydney Opera House The Arts Centre, Hamer Hall, Melbourne
Also touring to: Austria, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland Register now to secure your earlybird tickets! Head to the AYO homepage ayo.com.au Email marketing@ayo.com.au Call 02 9252 3855
The Power of Teamwork In the past two months I have witnessed inspirational performances that were possible thanks to the focus of likeminded individuals combining forces to achieve a common goal. On August 22nd, 47 members of the AYO shared the stage with 85 players of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) to present a “mystery program” of works written for a very large orchestra. More than a thousand curious listeners attended the concert and heard the first performance in Melbourne of Olivier Messiaen’s mammoth work Éclairs sur l’au-delà. The MSO provided a valuable opportunity for the AYO players to prepare such a large program in a professional orchestral environment. As you will read in this edition of Newsbeat, more than 115 young musicians led by two great Australian artists, Simone Young and Lisa Gasteen presented a memorable concert of Strauss and Wagner in Brisbane last month. These opportunities for AYO musicians have been supported by teams of individuals who have similarly combined their contributions in pursuit of excellence. Our thanks to a team of six Queensland – based women, Ms Annabelle Chaplain
Dr Amanda Bell, Mrs Kay Bryan, Dr Margaret Mittelheuser AM, Dr Cathryn Mittelheuser AM and Ms Sally Pitkin who supported the appearance of Simone Young with the AYO in Brisbane. More recently, The Silo Collective, an active commissioning team led by Leta Keens commissioned a new work from talented young composer, Philip Jameson. The work, The Collatz Variations, was premiered in Sydney by the AYO Brass Quintet before they took the work on tour to regional NSW. Teamwork has been vital to the success of the AYO Digital Connection Initiative, developed in partnership with AYO’s Principal Sponsor, Accenture. This project will be developed in the next 12 months with funding from the Australian Government through the NBN Enabled Skills and Education program. With Accenture’s support and vision AYO will be at the forefront of innovation, helping us engage further with our musicians and attract new audiences. Colin Cornish Chief Executive Officer
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INTERVIEW
by Genevieve Lang
Westward bound for AYO Chamber Players This September we travel to Perth to present two exhilarating concerts at Government House as part of AYO Chamber Players. Here Music Director Dale Barltop chats with Genevieve Lang regarding the program.
Newsbeat #03
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Joshua Roman
As the name suggests, the AYO Chamber Players program has an intensive focus on chamber music. How important is/was chamber music in your own development as a performer? DB Chamber music has always played a huge role in my musical development and still continues to! I consider it a vital part of my life as a musician as it embodies the very essence of making music at its most fundamental level - the expression, communication and interaction between two or more performers and their audience. I’ve been very fortunate to play chamber music with many wonderful musicians over the years, and with each and every experience, I learn something new about music and myself. What skills are you able to transfer from playing chamber music to your work in leading the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra? DB Orchestral playing is really not all that different from playing in a string quartet. Yes, there may be 100 people on stage as opposed to 4, but the principles are really the same.... our senses need to be so finely tuned that we can adjust and respond in any given moment according to what we hear or see around us. While the conductor may provide the musical leadership, there are as many different ways to interpret a conductor’s beat as there are people in an orchestra! So by developing ways to interact and synchronize with our fellow orchestral musicians, from the use of eye contact, physical gestures, listening, anticipating (and sometimes sheer mental telepathy!) we can learn to communicate with each other across the orchestra.
Victor Asuncion
You’re bringing a couple of colleagues with you – Joshua Roman and Victor Asuncion – How would you describe the dynamic between you, and what prompted you to form a piano trio together? DB To be honest, this AYO Chamber Players program is the very catalyst for bringing these guys together to form a trio! When I was approached by AYO to direct this program and given the luxury of bringing to Australia some colleagues of my choice, I knew immediately who I would ask! Victor and Joshua are two of my all-time favourite musicians and I’m thrilled that some of Australia’s most talented young players are going to get to work with them. Victor and I met as students at the University of Maryland and similarly, Joshua and I met as students at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Playing with each of them respectively is an exhilarating experience and I find myself never wanting it to end! Our musical paths have since taken us in very different directions (Victor and I have collaborated as a duo numerous times since then), but as you can imagine, this September will be a long-awaited reunion for the three of us. So thank you AYO! What will be the focus of the AYO Chamber Players program? DB This year, we will be delving into the early string quartets and piano trios of Beethoven. As we
have six string quartets and three piano trios attending, the six Op. 18 quartets and the three Op.1 piano trios will be the perfect opportunity to delve into a thorough survey of Beethoven’s formative chamber music output. Building on the rich tradition laid down by Haydn and Mozart, these masterpieces collectively represent a distinct turning point in the development of chamber music at the turn of the 19th century. What should the participants be doing in preparation for AYO Chamber Players? DB Have chamber music reading parties! I’m serious. It’s harder to find time when you fully enter the professional world, but some of the most valuable chamber music experiences I had as a student were informal get-togethers with my friends over a few glasses of wine and reading through the repertoire! I can’t tell you how many pieces I was introduced to this way. Not only does it greatly improve your sight-reading ability, it encourages music-making of the most spontaneous variety in a relaxed, joyous environment. What better way to hone your chamber music skills!
Concert details The Ballroom, Government House, Perth, Fri 28 September 7.30pm & Sat 29 September 2:30pm ••• For more info go to www.ayo.com.au Free admission
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ESSAY
By Sarah Gilchrist & Antonia Brownlee
An Alpine Season Triumph Simone Young and Lisa Gasteen joined more than 100 of the best young players from around Australia on Saturday 28 July at the Queensland Performing Art Centre in an exciting program of Grainger, Wagner, and R. Strauss. Playing to a sold-out house the concert drew standing ovations from the audience, and cemented the orchestra’s reputation as one of Australia’s great musical ambassadors. “For more than 50 years, the Australian Youth Orchestra has delivered some of the nation’s most memorable concerts, none more so than the monumental program presented in Brisbane at the weekend.” – Vincent Plush, The Australian To those who were able to join us in Brisbane, thank you for your support and contribution to the various events and activities around the performance. We’d like to pay particular recognition to our Season Concert Partner, the University of Queensland, and to all the individuals who supported this program through support of Simone Young’s visit, and the Scale the Heights Campaign. Thanks to ABC Classic FM the concert was broadcast on the morning of 29 July at 10am, and is available to listen to on their website: http://www.abc.net.au/ classic/content/2012/07/29/3554056.htm
Photo Greg Barrett
AYO July Season
musicians in rehearsal
Jaan Pallandi, double bass
Jonathan Heilbron, double bass
Jordonne Colley, cello
Annabelle Traves, violin
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NEWS
By Antonia Brownlee
We Scaled the Heights More than 200 donors and guests of the Australian Youth Orchestra flew to Brisbane to support Australia’s finest young musicians as they proudly scaled the heights of Richard Strauss’s monumental An Alpine Symphony under the baton of acclaimed conductor, Simone Young. We hosted several unique events for AYO supporters during the weekend trip; for patrons of The Conductor’s Circle who generously support the internationally acclaimed guest artists who tutor our young musicians, we organised a very intimate dinner at the Sofitel with Maestro Young; there was a backstage tour of QPAC; an informal lunch with Simone Young for those who kindly supported the costs of engaging her; morning tea for our QLD alumni, and the chance to watch a final rehearsal as Maestro and the Australian Youth Orchestra put the finishing touches to the repertoire, including a sneak-peek of Lisa Gasteen in rehearsal.
The Richard Pollett Memorial Award Reception at Customs House, Brisbane From left to right: AYO CEO Colin Cornish, Professor Philip Pollett, Professor Deborah Terry, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Queensland, Associate Professor Patricia Pollett and awardrecipient violinist Glenn Christensen
Thanks to the generous support of our donors to the AYO July Season, including those who contributed to the 2012 annual campaign, Scale the Heights, which raised $33,000, your gifts ensured the success of the Season program and concert. For those that were able to attend the concert, we’re sure you’ll agree it was worth every cent!
Photos Caterina Savoca
The nervous excitement and energy during rehearsal in the QPAC Concert Hall was palpable, which made it even more special for our guests as they had a better appreciation of what goes on behind the scenes before experiencing the polished result of the sell-out concert.
AYO July Season Conductor Supporters, QPAC From left to right: Dr Amanda Bell, Maestro Simone Young, Ms Annabelle Chaplain, Ms Sally Pitkin
by Sarah Gilchrist
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Glenn Christensen, violin Photo Greg Barrett
NEWS
INAUGURAL RICHARD POLLETT MEMORIAL AWARD RECIPIENT: GLENN CHRISTENSEN The inaugural Richard Pollett Memorial Award reception was held at Customs House, with the $10,000 Award presented to the 2012 winner, Glenn Christensen by AYO Chief Executive Officer Colin Cornish and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Queensland, Professor Deborah Terry. The Award was established in the memory of the promising young violinist, Richard Pollett whose life was tragically cut short on 27 September 2011 aged 25. As Richard was a violinist of extraordinary musical depth, the Pollett family in association with the Australian Youth Orchestra established the annual Award to provide support and encouragement to young violinists who display outstanding personal and musical qualities. Glenn Christensen first auditioned for Australian Youth Orchestra in 2004 and since that time has participated in all programs in the AYO pathway and this year
was invited to be Concertmaster. In June 2012 Christensen was appointed Principal First Violin with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Here AYO Marketing and Communications Manager Sarah Gilchrist discovers how AYO has helped Glenn prepare for his career. You have recently been awarded the position of Principal First Violin with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, how has participating in AYO programs helped you in your career pathway? I’d have to say that AYO has definitely been one of the most important experiences in my musical education. I’ve learnt so much about not only orchestral playing, chamber music, leading, music history and traditions, but also social skills and general life skills that have definitely shaped me as a person and had a huge impact on my career development.
What are the three best things about being part of AYO? The people you meet and friendships you make, the intense passion of the music-making, the laughs! You’ve almost made the record for the most number of AYO programs attended - after completing so many programs with us - what’s been a highlight for you? My first program was in 2004, and probably the biggest highlight since then was playing at the BBC Proms in 2010, and a close second was performing Beethoven 9 in Adelaide - so exhilarating! What would you say to someone just starting out with AYO? To any people new to AYO - the more you give, the more you receive! Give everything your all, and the experiences and knowledge you will gain will put you in great stead for life. And do as many National Music Camps as you can it’s the BEST!
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NEWS
by Sarah Gilchrist
From raw talent to perfect harmony You may have noticed, we have a new logo. With exciting new artist collaborations and global tours in the works, and as a result the need for extra funding support, 2012 was the perfect time to refresh our look. We wanted the new AYO identity to inspire and represent the talents of Australia’s best young classical musicians, from emerging, gifted, schoolaged students to those on the verge of a professional career. Inspired by the lines and spaces of musical staves, and to reflect the AYO’s positioning of “raw talent to perfect harmony,” design company Landor constructed two forms for each of the three letters in the identity. The inner letter, which moves and changes, is informal and quirky and represents raw talent. The outer, which remains consistent, is balanced and structured to stand for perfect harmony. We hope you like it as much as we do!
Our thanks to the team at Landor for their pro-bono support of the AYO including Mike Staniford, Executive Creative Director, Nichola Dearn, Creative Director, Matt Morgan, Senior Designer and Marivel Izon, Account Manager
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NEWS
by Sally Quinn
AYO BRINGS CHAMBER MUSIC TO NORTH-WEST NSW This August the AYO Brass Quintet toured North-West New South Wales to perform three special concerts for local audiences and students from the region. The concerts took place in Inverell, Armidale and Glen Innes. AYO Regional Residencies Tutor, Brett Favell lead the musicians in a program that included the world premiere of The Collatz Variations by Australian composer Philip Jameson, commissioned for the Australian Youth Orchestra by the Silo Collective. The Brass Quintet premiered this work at a thrilling concert in Sydney, before embarking on their regional tour. The AYO Regional Residencies program is an opportunity for the AYO Brass Quintet to grow as professional chamber musicians and provide communities whom would not be able to attend metropolitan concerts an opportunity to enjoy the experience of chamber music. It is also a valuable learning curve for AYO musicians who become role models, mentors and performers to young local people.
The AYO Regional Residencies program is central to the AYO’s highly acclaimed training pathway. It provides an intensive and outstanding opportunity to develop the necessary skills for chamber playing. The musicians in the AYO Brass Quintet were: Kara Hahn French horn Rainer Saville trumpet Josh Rogan trumpet Michael Ingle trombone Karina Filipi tuba
The NSW Regional Residency is generously supported by the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation, the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, King & Wood Mallesons and the Silo Collective.
Kara Hahn, French horn Photos Greg Barrett
The AYO Brass Quintet was resident at the New England Conservatorium of Music participating in the Conservatorium’s wide ranging program from the 10–18 August.
NEWS
by Sally Quinn
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AYO EXPANDS REACH THROUGH DIGITAL CONNECTION INITIATIVE On August 8, the Minister for School Education Peter Garrett announced that the AYO Digital Connection Initiative was one of the successful projects funded via the NBN – Enabled Education Skills Services Program. Young musicians in rural, regional and metropolitan Australia will now have greater access to the Australian Youth Orchestra community thanks to the newly launched AYO Digital Connection Initiative. Developed in partnership with AYO’s Principal Sponsor, Accenture, the AYO Digital Connection Initiative will utilise the National Broadband Network
to extend and augment talent identification and national training programs. AYO will receive more than $1.5 million to fund these programs. It will allow for greater capability and efficiency in online auditions, as well as live streaming to multiple communities and schools through AYO Regional Residency programs. Colin Cornish, AYO’s Chief Executive Officer stated “Accenture is a vitally important partner of the AYO. It is only with their support and vision that the AYO can be at the forefront of innovation in the digital arena, helping us engage further with our musicians and attract new audiences.”
Jack Percy, Country Managing Director for Accenture Australia added, “We’re delighted to support the AYO, particularly through this new initiative which will help increase the influence and the inspiration the organisation has on young, local musicians.” The AYO’s vision, to empower all young Australians with musical knowledge and imagination and instil in them a love of music and a dedication to the highest standards of performance, is now even more achievable; the initiative will see the development of a digital community that supplements the physical. For more information visit ayo.com.au
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AUSTRALIAN YOUTH ORCHESTRA Founders Professor John Bishop OBE Ruth D. Alexander Patron Emeritus Professor Di Yerbury AO Board of Directors Mary Vallentine AO Chairman Peter Grant Deputy Chair Ron Ogden Treasurer/Company Secretary Kellie Benda Dr Graeme L Blackman OAM Monica Curro Erin Flaherty Luke Nestorowicz Shefali Pryor Clare Pullar Frank Zipfinger Foundation Member Ron Maslyn Williams Honorary Life Members Leonard Amadio AO Margaret Greene Donald Hazelwood AO OBE Professor John Hopkins OBE J. Leonard Porter Professor Peter Sculthorpe AO OBE Maureen White Graham Wood OAM Artistic Advisory Committee Shefali Pryor (Chair) Keith Crellin OAM Monica Curro Elizabeth Koch OAM Siobhan Lenihan Tim Matthies Marshall McGuire Michele Walsh 65th Anniversary Appeal Committee Frank Zipfinger (Chair) Erin Flaherty Christina Green Mary Vallentine AO
Management Colin Cornish Chief Executive Officer Katie Priddis Business Manager Howie Huang Financial Accountant Rossy Yang Assistant Accountant Lucy Papworth Operations & Planning Manager Michelle Zarb Operations & Music Coordinator Samuel Torrens Orchestral Operations Coordinator Meredith Potts Program Administrator Sarah Gilchrist Marketing & Communications Manager Aleisha Conlay Marketing Coordinator Sally Quinn Publicist Caterina Savoca Individual Giving Manager Johanna Burnett Development Coordinator Volunteers Patrick Brislan Alumni Volunteer Megan Chen Accounts Intern Elizabeth Cooney Development Intern
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OUR SUPPORTERS Principal Sponsor
The Australian Youth Orchestra is supported by the Australian Government
Major Program Partner
AYO July Season Concert Partner
AYO National Music Camp Partner
2012 AYO February and July Seasons Partner
Corporate Music Partners
COLLIER CHARITABLE FUND
AYO Regional Residencies Partners
Honorary Auditor
Venue Partner
Brand Consultant Partner
Logistics Partner
Scholarship Partners
Media Supporter
Legal Partner
AYO is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW
The Australian Youth Orchestra is grateful to the many donors and volunteers who contribute so generously to all its programs
AYO Chamber Players The Ballroom, Government House, Perth, WA 28 September 7:30pm & 29 September 2:30pm Free Admission Repertoire to include: BEETHOVEN HAYDN MENDELSSOHN DVORAK BRAHMS Enjoy intimate, sophisticated chamber music favourites with musicians of the Australian Youth Orchestra.
Contact details Email: info@ayo.com.au Web: ayo.com.au Sydney
Melbourne
Level 1, The Arts Exchange 10 Hickson Road Millers Point NSW 2000 Phone 61 2 9252 3855 Toll free 1300 668 500 Facsimile 61 2 9252 8033
Arts House, Suite 3 204 St Kilda Road Southbank VIC 3006 Phone 61 3 9699 9281
AYO is a registered not-for-profit organisation. Every gift over $2 is tax-deductible. ABN 42 004 355 739