Welcome to Con Fuoco, our interview series with emerging artists in Australia.
As an 8-year-old, Alexander Frendo loved to play the guitar and make up his own little tunes. As he grew, he delved into the world of classical guitar. This led Alexander to greater possibilities with the instrument and new groups to join, such as the Sydney Classical Guitar Society, Penrith Guitar Club, and many more with friends he has made during his journey.
During his classical guitar studies, Alexander has developed a melodic, expressive style that has flowed into his compositional writing. His works including Wandering Leaves in the Forest and Age of Steel.
Alexander is a 2018 Penrith Conservatorium of Music scholarship winner.
Your all-time favourite piece of music?
Currently, I do not have an all-time favourite piece, but I have favourite pieces for the many genres of music I listen to. That selection of favourites alters depending on period, style, and onwards. But to narrow it down to my instrument, the classical guitar, I would say it would be between the works of Richard Charlton and the late Phillip Houghton.
Richard Charlton creates lush melodies that create landscapes of beauty, and with Phillip Houghton his works are full of emotion that is to be explored and captured, with very clear intention of how he wanted his pieces to be played.
Biggest fear when performing?
Biggest fear I have come across in performing is coming up to the difficult part(s) of a piece – and, while performing, wondering if I will get that part. So far, I have been able to get through those moments by being prepared for each performance.
Most memorable concert experience?
My most memorable moment is when my [new] guitar started to project and fill the space. This shocked me, as I had only had this guitar for a month or two, and my previous guitar I would never have been able to project in the same way. I had unlocked my guitar.
How do you psych yourself up for practice on a lazy day?
At the moment, I try and fit in practice wherever I can in between university, work, and other commitments with music and otherwise. So, if it’s a lazy day, it’s a relaxing day. I’ll still practice, but the practice may be more play that practice.
Most embarrassing moment on stage?
The most embarrassing moment was when I picked up the wrong parts for the pieces the ensemble was going to play. We only noticed once we had already started, but we got through each piece being able remember what we needed to play.
Though it wasn’t noticeable to the audience, it was still embarrassing that I picked up the different part. We all laugh at it now.
Best piece of musical advice you’ve received?
The advice I have received is to slow down while I practice, as I had the tendency to speed up in my guitar lessons. It is a really important element of learning any instrument, and I impart this to all my students.
What are you most proud of in your musical career so far?
Recently having the opportunity to record the Penrith Symphony Orchestra. But I have been proud of being part of the Sydney Classical Guitar Society Orchestra and Ensemble; and the Penrith Guitar Ensemble and Quintet.
What do you love about making music?
The creativity. It is very free and [I love] being able to create sonic landscapes that can create vivid images.
What’s your ultimate goal?
My ultimate goal is to become a music therapist and music producer. I want to share my passion of music and use it help others. I enjoy the creative process and the creation of producing music.
Follow Alexander Frendo
https://alexanderfrendo.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Alexander.Classical/
https://soundcloud.com/alexanderfrendo
Image supplied.
