Two talented musicians from St George Girls High School have been handed an experience of a lifetime – performing at the Sydney Opera House alongside musicians from the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.
The Academy of St Martin in the Fields is London’s world-famous chamber orchestra on tour in Australia for the first time in almost 30 years. They recently visited the Sydney Opera House.
St George Girls High School students Zoe Morris (double bass) and Eleni Carydis (percussion) were part of a group of 38 students from across NSW invited to meet and learn from the orchestra.
Academy of St Martin in the Fields animateur John Webb led the students on a two-day music writing and rehearsal workshop, culminating in a performance between the students and select musicians from the orchestra at the Sydney Opera House.
Mr Webb, who also works as a composer, said he tried to create a playful kind of atmosphere which allowed students to try things out.
"It's not pencil and paper, it's trying things out, practically, aurally. Seeing if you like them, altering it if you don't and then gradually building up melodies and accompaniments," he said.
"They've been a fantastic group, amazing to work with, so on the ball and so eager and keen to keep going... which is great for the musical future of Australia."
NSW Department of Education school operations and performance deputy secretary Murat Dizdar congratulated Zoe and Eleni on their performance and participation in the workshops.
“This has been an amazing opportunity and privilege for the students to learn from renowned musicians including those from Academy of St Martin in the Fields,” Mr Dizdar said.
“Congratulations to all of the students involved on their efforts in music and for their performance at the Sydney Opera House.”
The NSW Department of Education arts unit has an on-going arrangement with the Sydney Opera House that aims to deliver educational programs, events and attractions encouraging innovation in arts learning.
More than 10,000 public school students are expected to have the opportunity to benefit from the collaboration between the Sydney Opera House and the arts unit.
