Welcome to Con Fuoco, our interview series with emerging artists in Australia.
Perth-born Aidan Gabriels comes from a family of four, all of whom began playing violin at a young age. He studied violin from the age of five and at 10 received a scholarship to study French horn at John XXIII College.
In 2012, Aidan began a Bachelor of Music degree at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. In 2014, he moved to Brisbane where he continued his degree, and in 2017 he joined the Australian National Academy of Music in Melbourne.
Aidan has played with a number of Australian orchestras, including the West Australian, Queensland and Melbourne symphony orchestras and the Camerata of St Johns Chamber Orchestra. A long-term member of the Australian Youth Orchestra, in 2016 he toured with the orchestra to Europe and China, performing in some of the world’s most renowned concert venues.
Aidan is a 2018 Sydney Symphony Orchestra Fellow.
Your all-time favourite piece of music?
My all time favourite piece of music would have to be Strauss’ An Alpine Symphony. There is never a dull moment and I never get bored listening to it. It is permanently in my car CD player!
Biggest fear when performing?
Getting lost. I have been known not to have the best attention span so I need to concentrate extra hard, especially in concerts.
Most memorable concert experience?
My most memorable concert experience would have to be playing Wagner tuba in Bruckner Symphony No. 7 last year with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. It’s really rewarding to get such great feedback on such a fickle auxiliary instrument.
How do you psych yourself up for practice on a lazy day?
I’ll usually try to make myself do some exercise then try and complete little jobs I have to get done – basically building up motivational momentum to start practising.
Most embarrassing moment on stage?
I once played a whole recital with my fly undone. Luckily, while standing up, no one noticed. But when I went to take the final bow, my ‘lucky’ bright red underwear came on display. Needless to say, the underwear are no longer lucky and have not been worn since.
Best piece of musical advice you’ve received?
‘Your career starts now.’ I was told this at an Australian Youth Orchestra National Music Camp from the horn tutor a few years ago. Your career doesn’t start when you get a job or a casual gig, it starts long before in university or programs such as AYO.
Favourite post-gig ritual?
I won’t go into complete detail, but it usually involves an outing with my good friend James Squire.
What are you most proud of in your musical career so far?
Proud isn’t the right word, but I am extremely grateful to have lived in so many different cities in Australia and be a part of the music scene playing in different orchestras and ensembles.
What do you love most about making music?
I love the adventure and new faces you meet. I have made so many friends from all around the world, all from being able to play music with them.
What’s your ultimate goal?
My ultimate goal is to get a full time orchestral job in Australia. I love it so much here I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else!
Learn more about the SSO Fellows and their upcoming gigs on the website.
Image supplied. Credit: Keith Saunders.
