A number of young Parkes musicians took part in a workshop with the Sydney Youth Orchestra, as well as a performance at the conclusion of the day, in Dubbo recently. The Sydney Youth Orchestra (SYO), as a part of their new three-year commitment to establish a regional hub program, put the event together. The program, open to all musicians in the Lachlan area, will initially be based in Dubbo but there are plans for expansion over time.
Development and special projects manager for the SYO, Mia Patoulios, said they wanted to start building a much deeper engagement with regional students, providing educational and performance programs across primary, secondary and tertiary segments through to the pre-professional stage.
Students from the Mitchell Conservatorium, as well as other musicians from the Western region, were buddied up with the 100 SYO members during the workshop for rehearsals. The day ended with an impressive concert featuring the SYO players in both a band and an orchestra.
The climax of the concert involved the combining of all western region musicians, who had rehearsed throughout the day, with SYO performers to play two wonderful pieces of music: ‘Anniversary Overture’ by Brian Buggy and ‘Finlandia’ by Sibelius. The choir was made up of SYO wind ensemble members, and anyone who wanted to sing with them. The good news is that this will become an annual event. If you are a keen musician, keep the June long weekend open for next year when the SYO will be in Dubbo again.
By Pam Parkin