Sing Along, Play Along, Meet the Players

The Australian World Orchestra Announces a New Education Program that Engages Directly with Children and Their Families.

The Australian World Orchestra’s (AWO) vision is simple: to bring together Australia’s finest classical musicians from around the world to form one of the country’s most electrifying orchestras. Since its inception in 2009, AWO has been driven to create an Education Programme for its inaugural season that will support, encourage and develop the future generation of Australian musicians and their families. Today (July 22) that programme has been announced entailing a fun-filled Children’s Matinee Concert, an extensive Parramatta project with After School Concert, access to Open Rehearsals, and hands-on work experience for four Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) students.

“It is important that we share our knowledge and passions and that we inspire others, most particularly young Australians. We felt a strong obligation to give back to communities that have fostered and developed previous generations of Australians who have excelled on the world stage and at home,” says AWO Education Programme Manager, David Montgomery.

On a national level, AWO has invited four AYO students, including Percussionist Sophia Ang, Cellist Àdàm Szabo, Violist Matthew Lang, and Violinist Liisa Pallandi, to work directly with the AWO musicians and perform at all the concerts for the seasons. They will also work alongside the AWO players involved in the Parramatta program.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to play in the Australian World Orchestra. As the other players are all part of the professional music scene, both here and overseas, it will be fantastic to learn from their vast musical experience,” says Sophia. Liisa describes the opportunity as, “an absolute privilege,” and Adam says, “It will be an unforgettable experience.”

On Sunday 28 August at 2pm, the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall with transform for the light-hearted, yet informative Children’s Matinee Concert. AWO are inviting families to meet the players and see their instruments up-close before the show. Hear one of the worlds oldest instruments played, when Australia’s globe trotting Didgeridoo soloist, William Barton takes to the stage. Sing along when an arrangement of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy from his 9th Symphony is performed.

“This is a program for the whole family, where everyone can take part. You’ll learn how an orchestra is put together and works together. One lucky child will also win the chance to conduct part of the concert and I can’t wait to experience the spine-tingling sensation of 2000 voices singing together,” said Montgomery.

The Parramatta Project is a full day education experience, to be held at the Riverside Theatres, Parramatta on Monday 29 August. AWO is working directly with WSSSCB (Western Sydney State Schools Concert Band), which represents the musical talent found in Secondary Schools of Western Sydney. 75 students from more than 20 schools will be involved in a collection of workshops and rehearsals with AWO players, culminating in a combined public After School Concert at 4:30pm. For children of all ages, families and all members of Parramatta and the wider community, this special orchestra will perform excerpts from Holst’s St Paul’s Suite, Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, Mackerras’ Pineapple Poll, and a new work from AWO’s Education Manager, David Montgomery entitled Hocket in the Pocket.

General Rehearsals for AWO’s Concert One and Concert Two will take place on Friday 26 August at 11am-2pm, and Saturday 27 August 10:30am-1:30pm, at the Sydney Opera House. These rehearsals will be open to the public and students Year 9 and above, at a reduced concert ticket price, available from Sydney Opera House Box Office.

GENERAL REHEARSALS

Friday 27 August, 11am – 2pm

Sydney Opera House Concert Hall Tickets range from $20-$25

Saturday 28 August, 10:30am – 1:30pm

Sydney Opera House Concert Hall Tickets range from $20-$25

To book visit http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com.au or phone (02) 9250 7777

CHILDREN’S MATINEE CONCERT

Sunday 28 August, 2pm

Sydney Opera House Concert Hall Tickets range from $20-$85

To book visit http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com.au or phone (02) 9250 7777

AFTER SCHOOL CONCERT

Monday 29 August, 4:30pm

Riverside Theatre, Parramatta Tickets range from $10-$35

To book visit http://www.riversideparramatta.com.au or phone (02) 8839 3399

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