Australian Youth Orchestra
AYO National Music Camp 2019: On Shuffle
Words About Music participant Madi Chwasta asked the musicians of AYO’s 2019 National Music Camp what tunes they were listening to this summer.
Ruby Shirres viola
Adagio from the String Quartet, Op. 11 by Samuel Barber
I’ve really enjoyed playing the Barber quartet at National Music Camp. It’s been really cool discovering the piece. I find it really interesting how the music moves through different moods, and the connection between the movements.
Monty Wain double bass
Scherzo from Symphony No. 6 by Gustav Mahler
It’s my favourite piece to this day, and I’ve listened to it more than 200 times. It’s one thing listening to it live, but to play it is a whole other experience. It’s 90 minutes long and by the end you’re completely spent, but still completely engrossed. I feel euphoric when playing it.
Isla Biffin harp
The Moldau (Vltava) by Bedřich Smetana, from Má Vlast arr. for harp
It was written for symphony orchestra, but the solo harp version is very difficult; I’m tackling it for my Year 12 exams. It has many different sections and atmospheres that I really love. Romantic music is my favourite. I just love those beautiful melodies and harmonies.
Jet Kye Chong percussion
Sim Shalom from Compassion by Nigel Westlake
Westlake writes orchestral music that sounds vibrant and bubbly. It’s a pleasant piece to listen to, but that doesn’t sacrifice any of the music’s integrity. I also find it astounding that even though this song is sung in a language I don’t understand, it’s still an expressive and emotional piece.
Scott McDougall piano
Actual Proof by Herbie Hancock
I love classical music, but I also listen to a lot of jazz. I learn so much from jazz pianists like Herbie Hancock. He’s incredible, especially how he plays with other musicians. I love his Head Hunters album – that was the first jazz album I ever listened to.
Madi Chwasta is a percussionist who took part in the Words About Music program at AYO National Music Camp 2019.