Twenty-six government school students from across the state, including Gosford High School Year 11 student Harry Moulston, performed their own compositions inspired by Igor Stravinsky’s ‘Petrushka’ with members of the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music on Saturday, November 27.
Under the tutelage of Paul Rissmann, a composer, presenter and music educator from LSO Discovery, students studying music in Years 9, 10 and 11 made their own piece of music inspired by ‘Petrushka’. LSO Discovery is the London Symphony Orchestra’s community and music education program. The LSO is set apart from other international orchestras by the depth of its commitment to music education, reaching over 65,000 people each year. The programs, developed to coincide with the orchestra’s sold out concerts at Sydney Opera House, have challenged and inspired young musicians from across NSW. The project entitled ‘Make’, is a new partnership between the LSO, the Opera House and the Arts Unit of the NSW Department of Education and Communities. Students participating in Make have the opportunity to experience the LSO in concert and rehearsal. Students worked closely with Paul over fi ve workshop days at the Arts Unit in Lewisham to devise elements of a piece that could then be performed as a whole. At lunch-time on November 27 the students presented their finished group composition alongside members of the LSO at a performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Harry delighted the captivated audience with his musical talents. He took his place in the orchestra and played the trombone with the confidence and composure of a seasoned performer well beyond his years. “What has been achieved creatively in a few short days is incredible,” said Arts Unit and Initiatives leader Ms Louise Barkl. “The opportunity to work with Paul and LSO musicians is a once in a lifetime opportunity that the students and teachers will carry with them for years to come.”
Media release,
27 Nov 2014
Sven Wright, NSW
Department Education and
Communities