Welcome to Con Fuoco, CutCommon’s interview series with emerging musicians in Australia.
Benjamin van der Niet, 17, started studying classical guitar and cello in primary school. He’s continuing his training in the former with Guitar Trek muso Matt Withers, and the latter with Netherlands-based cellist Brendon Conroy. Benjamin is a member of the Tasmanian Youth Orchestra and he hopes to study conducting, having completed two Symphony International Conducting courses for high school students with British conductor Christopher Seaman, and another as part of the Melbourne Youth Music Summer School earlier this year with Mark Shiell.
Your all time favourite piece of music?
It’s hard to choose a favourite piece but Kodaly’s Dances of Galanta is definitely one of my favourites. I love the grandeur of an orchestra essentially playing folk dances. The fact that it represents a place and people and captures a part of history is also enchanting.
Most memorable concert experience?
I have been lucky enough to have enjoyed many concerts but was particularly engrossed in the sound of the multiple voices resonating together when the British vocal ensemble I Fagiolini performed at the Hobart Town Hall for Musica Viva Tasmania in 2015. Their ensemble was amazing and they connected with the audience, making it a fun as well as a serious musical experience. I was also astonished by the performance of Wagner’s Requiem, which I saw performed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 2013. I get to see many Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra concerts but this was the first time I experienced such a large ensemble and sound.
Biggest fear when performing?
I worry that I’ll shake so much that I won’t physically be able to play. This is a stronger fear though with the guitar because of the delicacy of the instrument.
Best piece of musical advice you’ve received?
The importance of the audience feeling the pulse of what you are doing is an integral piece of advice that I’ve received. My guitar teacher Matt Withers reminded me recently of this, particularly in relation to some Piazzolla pieces I’m working on, and last year pianist Jennifer Marten-Smith also talked to me about this aspect of engaging the audience when I was working with her to prepare for eisteddfod and exam performances. Developing methods and finding ways to engage and connect with the audience is vital and so is something I’m working hard on.
Most embarrassing moment on stage?
I’ve had more frustrating than embarrassing times – like last year, when mid-performance in the Hobart Eisteddfod, one peg on my cello slipped and it was suddenly out of tune, not sounding very like Vivaldi at all.
How do you psych yourself up for practice on a lazy day?
I try to make sure I practice practising effectively on the days I don’t feel like doing much.
Favourite post-gig activity?
It depends on whether it’s a day concert or a night concert. If it’s a day concert, I like to relax for the remainder of the day which includes painting, drawing, reading, watching TV; and if it’s a night concert, I like to go to bed and read.
What are you most proud of in your musical career so far?
There have been many moments I have been proud of – performing with the Tasmanian Youth Orchestra, a range of school ensembles as well as solo on cello and guitar, and singing in the Festival of Voices performances of Haydn’s The Creation and Bach’s St Matthew’s Passion. One of the most amazing things for me, though, was to get the glimpse of conducting after twice being accepted into the Symphony International Scholars Conducting course and working with Christopher Seaman and a group of professional Melbourne musicians.
What do you love most about making music?
The possibility of taking the audience on a journey is one of the things I love about music. I hope there are times I can do this both as a performer and a composer.
What’s your ultimate goal?
Ultimately I want to become an orchestral conductor and to still have time to compose.
See Benjamin perform classical guitar as part of the Virtuosi Tasmania Young Performers series at Stefano Lubiana Wines in Granton, 11am April 8 (bookings via TSO box office); and Devonport Regional Gallery at 5pm April 9. For these concerts he will also join flautist Kate Hudson for duets. Check out the Tasmanian Youth Orchestra website for upcoming gigs.
Image supplied. Credit: Jonathan Duddles.
