Music students attend CSO performance
By Mrs Emily Leong, Director of Keyboards
Last Thursday, 10 students from Years 9–12 music classes had the opportunity to attend the concert Night and Now by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra (CSO) at the Llewellyn Hall. For some, it was their first orchestral concert experience. We were invited to a pre-concert talk, where we met two CSO musicians who shared with us what it was like to be a professional musician.
The program was conducted by Jessica Cottis, a Radford Collegian, and consisted of three works: The Unanswered Question by Charles Ives, Elena Kats-Chernin’s Flute Concerto and ending with one of Tchaikovsky’s most significant works, the Pathétique Symphony No.6. At this talk, we learnt about key musical features which helped us prepare for what we were about to hear.
We were excited to see so many familiar names of current and past Radford music staff in the program, and as we took our seats, we spotted each one as they came on stage with their instruments.
Here are some thoughts from students about their concert experience:
“I really liked the horns in the 3rd and 4th movements of the symphony.”
“I liked the final movement; it was very dramatic and immersive.”
“I enjoyed the string swells in the Kats-Chernin and the way they integrated the percussion.”
“I noticed elements of more modern music that you sometimes hear in film.”
“Even though you would expect the flute concerto to feature the flute, there were moments where it took a backseat so you can hear the other parts shining through."
Going to live concerts not only supports the arts, but it is also an important part of learning in the Performing Arts. It offers a chance to hear the music as it was meant to be performed, with the fullness and richness of sound that recordings cannot fully capture. Watching skilled musicians perform helps students observe techniques and inspire them in their own playing. Students can experience and appreciate firsthand how music can move and connect people. We hope to provide more opportunities throughout the year for students to attend live performances and develop a love for the arts. A special word of thanks to Ms Margaret Thomas for attending with this group of students.
