Central Coast Conservatorium Artistic Director and CEO, Patrick Brennan, is one of eight conductors chosen through a rigorous selection process to take part in the Australian Conducting Academy (ACA) 2020 Summer School in Hobart, Tasmania.
Brennan will train under the leadership of world-class conductor, Johannes Fritzsch, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) Principal Guest Conductor and Course Director.
“I am absolutely elated that I have been selected for the ACA Summer School as it is such an incredible opportunity that will take my conducting to a new level”, Brennan said.
“High calibre professional development conducting programs are a rare commodity in this country so the ability to work with Maestro Fritzsch and his incredible team of experts and the TSO is extraordinary”. The course will deliver intensive sessions including speaking from the podium, score reading, workshops and rehearsals with pianists and orchestra and panel discussions.
The knowledge and expertise Brennan gains at the ACA Summer School is expected to bolster his capacity as a music educator, conductor and Artistic Director on the Central Coast, positively impacting the students from regional and metropolitan NSW with whom he works a regular basis. It will also give the Central Coast Conservatorium greater capability in delivering professional development programs to Central Coast music teachers and conductors who work in the community.
As part of Brennan’s professional and music education portfolio, students can access music extension programs such as the Central Coast Chamber Orchestra, Central Coast Opera, the Regional Youth Orchestra of NSW and Northern Sydney Symphonic Wind Ensemble, all cornerstone organisations he has created. “Students at the Central Coast Conservatorium want to be challenged at a professional level.
They crave academic insight and cohesion within the group but mostly they respond to the emotional connection between themselves and the conductor,” Brennan said. Brennan directs a number of important Central Coast ensembles including the Central Coast Philharmonia Choir, the Central Coast Concert Band, Central Coast Chamber Orchestra, Central Coast Youth Orchestra and the Central Coast Symphonic Wind Orchestra.
Source: Media release, Jan 9 Central Coast Conservatorium