BY STEPHANIE ESLAKE
Jannie Brown’s family has long been connected to music. Her great-great uncle was William Henry Dow, one of Australia’s leading instrument makers at the turn of the 20th Century.
After tracking down an instrument he had crafted, Jannie decided it was time to pass the family tradition to a new generation. So through the ANAMsyndicate, she found the opportunity to share this connection with emerging violinist Josef Hanna, loaning him the Dow to play through his early career.
This is the type of generosity found through the Australian National Academy of Music’s unusual donor program. Where many programs invite members of the community to give financial assistance by way of a single or regular donation, the ANAMsyndicate actively connects its donors and musicians like family, so they can take part in the journey together.
Donors like Jannie are paired up with one ANAM Musician and can follow their career process as they learn and perform. In this interview, we hear from both sides of this unique program: Jannie (pictured below) tells us why she donates, and Josef (above) shares the opportunities it brings.
Jannie, what drew you towards involvement in the ANAMsyndicate program?
I first became involved in 2014 after Jan Grant started up the syndicate program for ANAM Musicians. I thought it was a wonderful way to connect with the musicians and have a more personal engagement with them.
My first musician was pianist Alex Raineri. It was wonderful following his journey, and then the many musicians I have had since then. I have made wonderful friendships with so many, and thoroughly enjoy being part of their journey.
You’re a member of Josef Hanna’s syndicate, and have made a unique contribution to this musician: you’ve loaned the WH Down violin. I understand this violin comes with a special history to you — can you tell us a bit about this story?
My great-great uncle William Henry Dow is a well-known Australian maker, and actually had a workshop behind his home in Church St. South Melbourne — a stone’s throw from the majestic South Melbourne Town Hall that is the original home of ANAM.
I had a yearning to own one of Dow’s violins, and my search finally found one that had been in a musical family since the early ‘50s. My heart really wanted the violin to be at the town hall with ANAM; its history started nearby, and I felt a musicians could benefit.
I contacted Robin Wilson, who is head of violin at ANAM, to see if it was suitable for one of the musicians. Robin asked Josef to try, and it was a perfect fit! I am thrilled as Josef and the violin have a particular connection, and I in turn have a great connection with Josef. Watching him and the violin ‘open up’ is heartwarming.
It sounds like the ANAMsyndicate has become a beautiful way to continue the family legacy.
It is important to me that the violin be honoured and played with passion. Having an up-and-coming violinist be given the opportunity to have this violin as part of their musical journey is a perfect match.
It has also inspired me to look at contemporary makers in Australia, and I have recently bought a cello and a violin both made in Victoria. They are now with musicians at ANAM.
How would you describe the relationship you’ve developed with Josef during this program?
I have absolutely enjoyed every moment of Josef’s journey with the Dow. Despite lockdown, and not seeing many live performances, I have remained connected and marvelled at the positive attitude and optimism Josef — and also his fellow ANAM members — have portrayed.
I think the faculty at ANAM have been amazing, with the support and encouragement over the the COVID hiccups, towards their musicians. Josef has showed maturity and resilience along with a wonderful passion for playing the Dow.
If you have one word of advice for Josef to take into the world once he finishes his ANAM studies, what would you tell him?
Be true to yourself. Never doubt your own individuality and enjoy every note.
Josef, tell us about what the ANAMsyndicate program means to you and how it’s been helpful to your music so far.
The ANAMsyndicate program is a really special initiative that gives us musicians at ANAM the opportunity to connect with supporters who are equally as passionate about music and the arts.
The ANAMsyndicate program I believe instils a certain sense of confidence in each musicians individually as it gives us the opportunity to work hard and excel in our craft, knowing we have a foundational support through every step of our musical journey.
How would you describe the relationship you’ve developed with your syndicate donor Jannie during this program?
Jannie is the most kind and caring person, and we have very quickly become great friends. Her profound love for music is so encouraging, and she is constantly reminding me of the power and role music has in our society. I am forever grateful for Jannie’s ongoing support.
Josef, what did it mean to you that Jannie loaned you the Dow violin, and how have you found the experience of playing this unique instrument?
It honestly meant so much to me at the time. Before the Dow, I was playing a very average instrument, which did not allow me to express the sound I imagined in my head. The Dow has opened up new soundworlds and colours that were simply not possible on my previous violin.
I understand the significance of this violin to Jannie and her family, and I feel so privileged to be able to play this instrument. It has such a rich history and connection to the home of ANAM in South Melbourne.
The program is structured to allow donors to follow your progress throughout your time at ANAM. How has this inspired you in your practice? And how would you reflect on your own progress?
ANAM always encourage us to keep connected with our syndicates as much as possible, and to always keep them in the loop whenever we have little musical updates.
It is so encouraging to know that our syndicates are genuinely interested in our musical growth and progression, which in turn becomes a huge source of inspiration and motivation to improve everyday.
Why do you feel programs like the ANAMsyndicate are important to the lives of young musicians?
I believe programs like the ANAMsyndicate program are extremely important, especially in Australia where the arts are so underappreciated. It is so easy to feel ignored or even discouraged when thinking about a future in music, but knowing there are people out there who care deeply for you as an individual artist and your passion for music is honestly encouraging beyond words.
Learn more about the ANAMsyndicate program on the website.
Images supplied. Josef captured by Pia Johnson.
