Australian Youth Orchestra
Reconnecting with AYO Antony Morgan
Our Volunteer Alumni Coordinator Patrick Brislan does amazing work in reaching out to Alumni, recently connecting with AYO and National Music Camp alumni, Antony Morgan.
Our Volunteer Alumni Coordinator Patrick Brislan does amazing work in reaching out to Alumni with whom we might have lost touch. Thanks to his work, many past participants have re-connected with us to attend concerts and events, catch up with peers, share their stories, volunteer their skills and/or support the next generation. Antony Morgan is one such alumnus. Antony played cello in National Music Camp in 1960/1962 and AYO in 1964.
Throughout his colourful orchestral and freelance career, Antony has worked with the London Philharmonic, many Australian orchestras and various ensembles. His gigs have ranged from a Deep Purple concert to the Phil Collins Tour. Antony traces his achievements back to National Music Camp, which he found life-changing.
‘I feel that I owe my career to National Music Camp.’ Because of that experience, Antony is generously leaving a bequest to AYO. ‘For a boy brought up in a country town, it was so exciting to be surrounded by a hundred young musicians as passionate as myself about music. I suddenly realised there was such a thing as a professional music career.’
Antony received support to attend National Music Camp, ‘without which I might never have become a musician. So I’m very happy to give something back.’
Does Antony have any advice for the young musicians keen to establish orchestral or freelance careers? ‘Enjoy working as a musician but always take it seriously. Be professional, practice constantly and always turn up to work prepared.’
A huge thank you to Antony and all AYO supporters for helping us discover, train and inspire the next generation.