Blue Mountains students were among some of Australia’s brightest young musicians to undertake an exciting week of learning and playing under the guidance of Australia’s finest musicians in July.
The Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra conducted a five-day workshop in Sydney in the historically informed performance (HIP) approach to music.
Hosted by Santa Sabina College, 33 talented young musicians worked intensively to create a fresh and inspiring interpretation of Beethoven’s 1st Symphony. The week concluded with a Saturday afternoon performance for an enthusiastic audience of friends, family and fans.
Blue Mountains musicians who took part included trumpeter Jude Macarthur of Katoomba; violinist Sel Hardaker of Wentworth Falls; and violinist James Parbery of Winmalee.
The musicians from the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra shared their expertise and experience with the students by showing them how to create a sound and play in a style in keeping with the aesthetics of Beethoven’s time. The sessions included full orchestral and sectional rehearsals, lectures and workshops, as well as lots of singing, moving, dancing and socialising.
The program was directed by the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra’s concertmaster Rachael Beesley, principal clarinettist Nicole van Bruggen (woodwind) and education manager Megan Lang (woodwind).
Along with demonstrating the sounds of the historical instruments, information sessions were provided on the importance of physical exercise, how to plan a practice routine, where to locate resources on historical repertoire and style, Beethoven and the development of the symphony, as well as a Q&A with the tutors on the working life of a musician.
For more information about concerts, education programs and bookings visit the orchestra’s website: www.arco.org.au.
