Batch Thinking on Hutt Street
I’ve never had Friday nights off. For decades, when many people are getting ready for a night out; I’m going to work. In the last decade; to Adelaide Town Hall with the ASO, a familiar routine … if a bit disturbed for me by having to always wear black especially if the piece demands a […]
Meeting Miriam at the NLA
I’ve just spent a delightful month at the National Library of Australia as a 2024 Creative Arts Fellow. I’ve read legendary musician Miriam Hyde’s intimate letters, diaries, journals, poems and media reviews, focussing on 1932-36 when she was the South Australia Elder Overseas Scholar at the Royal College of Music, London. It is my great […]
Study In Blue, White And Gold
“Miriam Hyde (1913-2005) … Australian composer, pianist and teacher with an impressionistic style … was a synaesthete who associated certain musical notes and keys with different colours. Because of this condition she composed many character pieces with very descriptive titles- such as “Dragonflies” (and) “Magpies at Sunrise”* I’m really interested in Miriam Hyde, OBE, AO. […]
My ‘Why’ | Breaking Music Barriers | Part 1
When I was fifteen, I spent a wonderful summer in Germany preparing for an audition for a Purcell School scholarship. I stayed in the magnificent home of a music-loving lawyer and his family, our friends from previously living there. I practised for up to six hours a day, mostly on violin, oboe, and piano. I […]
My ‘Why’ | Breaking Music Barriers | Part 2
In part one, I explained when I was fifteen, entering a specialist music school, I considered how my ideal chamber music career might look. My vision was clear. Groups of highly-trained, independent musicians. Playing at the top of their game. Meeting to play beautiful chamber music. Each bringing unique ideas, sounds, and artistic integrity. The […]
Classical music in Brazil: a driver for social change | Part 2
NOTE: This article was originally published in October 2020. [Click here to read Part 1] The young Brazilians I worked with were eager to play the oboe, share ideas and improve. They loved performing solo, preparing for their afternoon orchestra sessions, and making reeds. I had four hours a day, from 9 AM till 1 […]
Beethoven’s Blue Balloons: Synesthesia and the chamber music connection
I like to play music with my eyes closed. Since I was a small child, all I’ve needed to do is close my eyes, play, and dive into a world of vibrant colour. This experience was—and still is—accompanied by the most wonderful feelings. Like an ecstasy. A glimpse of perfection. Seeing into the universe. But […]
Revitalising Musical History with Exclusive Soirees
Exclusive: a commodity not obtainable elsewhere… Musical: pleasant, melodious… Soiree: an elegant evening gathering… In the 18th century, live music took a quiet turn towards private concerts. In small rooms and chambers, musicians played to their supporters, delivering an enchanting and intimate experience. Inspired by this shared musical affair, I’m launching a series of soirees—quaint […]
“FOCUS, Be in the Room…” | Music for Shared Moments
It’s so hard to focus these days. Attention is constantly stolen by notifications, tasks, noise, adverts… Wouldn’t it be nice to be still, listen carefully, and share a moment as the stress of modern life melts away? That’s why I play music. It allows me to focus on one thing: creating a harmonious connection with […]
The Importance of Nurturing Young Talent
All I’ve ever wanted to do was become a musician, and my name only reinforced that desire. St Cecilia is the Patron Saint of Music. I really had no choice! From a young age, I was hothoused by excellent educators such as Bela de Csillery, a pupil of famous composers Hindemith and Kodaly. I was […]
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