BY STEPHANIE ESLAKE
Antony Pitts moved halfway across the world to take on the role of Artistic Director of leading Australian vocal ensemble The Song Company. The British composer, teacher and conductor has held positions with the Royal Academy of Music, BBC Radio 3, and has had his works performed across the United Kingdom and United States. He’s now taken the leap and moved to Australia, and tomorrow night he’ll kick off The Song Company’s 2016 season. He tells us what it’s been like to pack up his home and family to chase his dreams.
What are the challenges of picking up your family and moving internationally to pursue a dream job? Do young musicians need to prepare for this from day one of their careers?
There are lots of logistical challenges to this kind of relocation, that’s for sure – from getting a visa to finding schools and a home. Also, we’re leaving lots behind: family, friends, our cottage in East Sussex and the hills and valleys around. This is the first time we’ve made such a big move. I’m not sure I was ever expecting something like this to happen, and I don’t know that you can prepare for the remote possibility years in advance; however, as a musician, you generally have to be pretty flexible when it comes to a career.
Many Australians travel to Europe to explore its rich music history and culture. You’re doing it in reverse – what are you looking forward to discovering in Australia?
Oh, so much. The people – those who were here first, and those whose families, like us, have migrated rather more recently. The landscape, the sea, the animals. The wine, food, lots of outdoor activities. And then, of course, the music – not to mention all the other arts.
Coming from a British background, what do you envisage Australia’s role to be in the future of classical and new music?
I think there’s something very precious about being able to develop slightly out of the gaze of the rest of the world. It gives Australian music a confidence and an independence which you can really hear when it does hit the world stage.
As a composer, what do you find are the biggest differences between Australian and British new music?
As well as the opportunities for incubating talent in Australia, I think there’s perhaps more importance given to the new over here.
Antony Pitts will launch The Song Company’s 2016 season in Sydney tomorrow. For more information visit www.songcompany.com.au/events/.
Image supplied.
