The AYO Wind Quintet, featuring musicians Kate Proctor, flute, Emmanuel Cassimatis, oboe, Lloyd Van’t Hoff, clarinet, Matthew Kneale, bassoon and Ben Messenger, French horn will visit the Castlemaine State Festival and other locations in Central Victoria to present a series of concerts and workshops. The concerts will take place in Newstead, Benalla, Wangaratta, Yarrawonga and Rutherglen throughout March.
The AYO Regional Residencies program is an opportunity for the AYO Wind Quintet to experience life as a touring chamber ensemble. It is also a valuable professional development programs for these advanced musicians to develop mentoring skills as they help local teachers introduce young students to their instruments and a range of repertoire.
‘The AYO Regional Residencies provide a unique opportunity for musicians on the verge of a professional career. Many primary school children who have missed out on music education so far receive their first introduction to some instruments and music through these residencies,’ says Colin Cornish, Australian Youth Orchestra CEO.
The AYO Wind Quintet will be guided through their recital program by David Nutall, Principal Oboe of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, who will be based in Castlemaine with the AYO musicians. The program will include works by Francaix, Schuller and Edwards.
The AYO Regional Residencies program is central to AYO’s training pathway and brings music to communities in all regional areas of Australia. The first performance by the AYO Wind Quintet will be at Newstead on Saturday 16 March as part of the Castlemaine State Festival.