He’s only 21, but he’s already making his mark in the music industry.
Owen Morris, formerly of Glenbrook, will move to Adelaide in January to take on the principal trumpet role with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
Mr Morris underwent a day of rigorous auditions to be appointed the position.
Most of the auditions were conducted behind a screen, so he had no idea who he was playing for or if they liked the music. He was surprised to discover at the end of the day that he’d been performing for a panel of 15.
“I got really lucky landing that job,” Mr Morris said.
“I want to gain as much experience as possible.
“I feel really lucky because they could have said you’re too young, you don’t have enough experience.”
Paul Goodchild, Mr Morris’ mentor and the associate principal trumpet at Sydney Symphony Orchestra, said it was unusual for someone so young to hold such a role.
“A 21-year-old getting a job with an orchestra of this calibre is rare. He thoroughly deserves this position.
“It’s not going to be the last job that Owen gets that’s for sure. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s the principal trumpet at Sydney Symphony Orchestra in years to come and we see him at major orchestras overseas.”
Mr Morris has already been in several orchestras.
He’s just finished a year as a fellow with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. As well as learning from experienced musicians, he’s passing that knowledge on via concerts, workshops and mentoring.
“I really enjoy that - the kids get to play along side you. It’s an important part of giving back. It’s about sharing what you have been lucky enough to learn from other people,” he said.
Mr Morris has also been part of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, the Australian and Sydney Youth Orchestras, the NSW Department of Education Ensembles, and he was a member of the Mountains Youth Band until he finished year 12 at Penrith High. He later moved to Sydney to study at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music where he is in his third year of a Bachelor of Music Performance degree.
He starts his new job on January 20, on trial for six months.
Mr Morris started playing the trumpet at age 10 when he heard it in concert and loved the sound.
“I don’t care who I play [which composer] or with who. I enjoy playing with other people and being there sharing it [music] with other people,” he said.
The sharing continues at 2pm on December 13 when Mr Morris’ band Bennelong Brass present a concert of sacred and festive music at St Finbar’s Church in Glenbrook. Tickets at the door.
Visit www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au to hear Owen Morris play.
