L-R: Ashley Carter, Ryan Zunker, Ainsleigh Coates

National Music Camp, January 7-21, Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide

The trumpets were: James Polack NSW; David Timlin WA; James Pensini NSW; Rosemary Turner NSW; Brent Grapes VIC; Adrian Moran NSW; Hoshimi Sakai NSW.

Directed by renowned Australian violinist and Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) alumna Elizabeth Wallfisch, the 2007 National Music Camp was held in Adelaide. Trumpet tutor Yoram Levy (Australian Trumpet Guild (ATG) Director and Principal Trumpet of the Tasmanian Symphony) guided the successful musicians through two weeks of master classes, tutorials and orchestral rehearsals under conductors Bruno Weil, Richard Gill and Jan Willem de Vriend.

Yoram also conducted a series of Brass Fanfares, featured at several of the free public concerts which were part of the National Music Camp.

The Australian Youth Orchestra, Season 1: February 2-21, UWA Perth International Arts Festival and Sydney Opera House

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Australian Youth Orchestra, the orchestra performed a series of exciting programs at the UWA Perth International Arts Festival. Following auditions in late 2006, the selected trumpet section was James Polack, James Pensini (both ATG members), Rosemary Turner from NSW and Brent Grapes of Victoria.

The first concert featured the Australian premiere of BreakThru Films' sensational stop-frame animated film of Peter and the Wolf. Directed by BAFTA-winning animator Suzie Templeton, the soundtrack of Sergei Prokofiev's classic masterpiece was played live by the Australian Youth Orchestra. The second featured a special 50th anniversary performance featuring excerpts from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, as well as the Stravinsky Violin Concerto, featuring AYO alumnus Cameron Hill.

Finally, the orchestra performed Britten’s monumental anti-war masterwork, the War Requiem. This performance was also repeated at the Sydney Opera House.

European Tour

The AYO will be touring Europe July 4 – August 5. The trumpets are James Polack, James Pensini and Rosemary Turner. This tour is also in celebration of the AYO’s 50th anniversary. At the time of writing, negotiations are underway with many renowned and prestigious venues – with highlights set to include the magnificent Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and several other leading European concert halls. The 2007 50th anniversary tour will be the orchestra’s seventh tour to Europe, supported by 50th Anniversary Partner, Five D.

Young Symphonists – Wind, Brass and Percussion, April 7-15, The Southport School, Gold Coast QLD

The trumpets are: Alexander Ross (ITG and ATG member – ITG Youth competition finalist and scholarship winner 2006) NSW; Thomas Cowie NT; Ryan Zunker QLD

Thomas Cowie was the only applicant from Darwin to be successful for AYO’s 2007 programs.

Ryan Zunker was the only trumpeter among the three musicians selected from the new regional auditions in Bundaberg. Building on the success of the Young Symphonists – String program, in 2007 AYO will introduce the inaugural Young Symphonists – Wind, Brass and Percussion. A nine-day residential course for players aged 12 – 17 years, the program is set to inspire young players by taking them through an introduction to symphonic wind repertoire and the skill required by wind and brass chamber musicians.

Young Symphonists – Wind, Brass and Percussion will be under the direction and mentorship of renowned French horn player, chamber musicians and conductor Peter Luff, supported by key wind and brass professionals.

Website:
Australian Youth Orchestra

Note: Australian State/Territory abbreviations used here are NSW (New South Wales), WA (Western Australia), VIC (Victoria), QLD (Queensland) and NT (Northern Territory).