MSO ENCOURAGING THE NEXT GENERATION

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s (MSO) Education Week ran last month, and gave budding musicians a chance to mix with and learn from the very best in the state.

An annual event, Education Week culminated in “Symphony in a Day”, a concert that was held on Saturday, June 1.

Southbank Local News spoke to a couple of the musicians who took place in the program, including violin player Rohan Carr and clarinet player Tim Raes.

Mr Carr said he was thrilled at the opportunity Education Week had given him, and knew the new skills he was learning would enhance his general play when he returned to his Essendon Symphony Orchestra.

“It’s a massive step up from what I’m used to, but, personally, I’ve really embraced the challenge.” Mr Carr said.

“To experience playing with the MSO can only improve my performing, and hopefully I can take those extra skills with me when I head back to my orchestra,” he added.

The MSO’s education manager, Bronwyn Lobb, said the week and the concert were popular among amateur musicians and with good reason.

“Each musician involved in ‘Symphony in a Day’ has their own special story and connection to the MSO, and that is what this program is all about – people from all walks of life coming together to share their love of orchestral music,” Ms Lobb said.

“We were overwhelmed by the flood of applications we received for this year’s program and we can’t wait to create music with a whole new group of musicians,” she added.