The Inaugural Richard Gill Memorial Concert

“The 107-piece string orchestra was sensitively led by Camberwell Grammar student Mathieu Ly (Year 12), who performed his violin solo with his characteristically warm sound.”

Over a weekend in early April, Camberwell Grammar hosted the Inaugural Richard Gill Festival of Strings.

Advanced string players from Camberwell Grammar, Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Scotch College, and Melbourne Girls Grammar gathered on the Friday night, all day Saturday and Sunday morning, with the festival culminating in a Concert on Sunday afternoon. The 107 students worked with celebrated conductor Graham Abbott on a special arrangement of Beethoven's 5th Symphony. In the first half, each School individually performed a short work of string orchestra.

Each student sat with a desk partner from another school, so it was a fun way to discover the common struggles all string players have. It was also a joy to work with infinite detail on a much-loved masterwork. Maestro Abbott revealed so much background about the life of an Orchestral musician, Beethoven's world, the art of performance, the discipline of artistic expression, and the balance of colour.

At the performance, Richard Gill’s widow, Maureen Gill, and ben bishop gave moving speeches about Richard Gill’s commitment to music education in Australia.

The 107-piece string orchestra was sensitively led by Camberwell Grammar student Mathieu Ly (Year 12), who performed his violin solo with his characteristically warm sound.

Maestro Abbott said ‘the result was astonishing and I loved working with the students in the lead-up to this afternoon’s performance. The event was made all the more powerful by the presence of Maureen Gill, Richard’s wife, who spoke beautifully to the audience of Richard’s life and work.’

Ms Rachel Atkinson

Head of Music Academy