Australian Youth Orchestra
AYO Alumni
David Mitchell
QSO Associate Principal Bassoonist David Mitchell (AYO 2000-2001, Tutor 2012-2015) was performing in Germany with Valery Gergiev when the conductor decided to change the concert program in the dress rehearsal because he didn’t like it. ‘He made us learn a whole new program on the spot. You can do that sort of thing when you’re the boss. Although scary, it turned out to be one of the most exciting concerts I’ve ever played.’ David credits AYO’s 2001 International Tour with kick-starting his career. ‘I always wanted to study and work in Germany and AYO gave me the confidence. After the tour, I lined up study and auditions and ended up staying in Europe for nine years.’ Most inspiring aspect? ‘In Europe the concert halls are full and the audiences are so enthusiastic. Culture is everywhere.’
Stephanie Eslake
Stephanie Eslake, an AYO ‘WAMer’ (‘Words About Music’ Alumna) noticed a gap in promotional opportunities for young classical musicians and came up with a pretty impressive response – she founded a new online publication to showcase their talents. CutCommon (www.cutcommonmag.com) grew from the sense of community and friendship Steph experienced with fellow WAMers, who support and contribute to the magazine. ‘I wanted to continue this long-term and create a place where all young musicians could go for inspiration and support.’ The most rewarding aspect? ‘It’s taken on an extraordinary life of its own. CutCommon places internationally recognised musicians such as Steven Isserlis and Michelle DeYoung alongside emerging composers and local university ensembles.’ Tips for writing about music? ‘Fall in love with the works you’re writing about, and your deeper understanding of them will shine through in your words.’
Jonathan Henderson
Currently Principal Flute of the Estonian National Opera (ENO), young Jonathan Henderson (AYO 2010) is an old-hand at auditioning. His achievements include solo appearances with ENO, Tallinn Chamber & Baltic Youth Orchestras, participating in the BBC Proms and receiving numerous study scholarships. ‘The audition to study in Germany was extremely competitive – 100 candidates for a handful of places. It took a lot of positive thinking to not let the neighbouring candidate (firing off Jean-Jean etudes at 100 miles an hour) intimidate me!’ What got Jonathan through the audition? ‘I tried to give a convincing performance by focusing on the musical ideas I wanted to deliver.’ Most challenging performances with ENO? ‘The Puccini Operas, with only one rehearsal. I sweated blood and water and played around the clock – but my colleagues gave me great confidence.’
Glenys Abrahams
Glenys Abrahams (Double bass AYO 1981) builds rewarding relationships in her job as an Advisory Visiting Teacher for hearing-impaired students in mainstream schools. ‘I’ve supported students from babies until high school. Over time you become one of the extended family. It’s a privilege to share the students’ milestones throughout their school years.’ Glenys is also interested in exploring how music and deafness co-exist, especially for children diagnosed with a profound hearing loss and fitted with cochlear implants. Glenys is supporting the next generation and acknowledging the opportunities she had as a young musician through a bequest to AYO. ‘I want to help foster the love of playing and where that leads. These committed musicians will go on to play in our orchestras and ensembles. They are the musicians of our future, bringing so much pleasure to others.’