Welcome to Con Fuoco – CutCommon’s interview series with emerging musicians across Australia.
Caleb Murray, 17, began playing piano as a 4-year-old and took up cello a year later. He has played with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in a number of workshops and has attended the Australian Youth Orchestra National Music Camp. Caleb has played in the state music camp every year since 2007, and Melbourne Youth Music Summer School from 2008-2014.
In 2014, Caleb was one of 10 finalists in the Melbourne Recital Centre Bach Competition. he played in the Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra and is currently principal cellist of the Melbourne Youth Orchestra, now in his second year as leader. In 2014, he completed AmusA in cello, and LmusA with distinction in 2015. He has passed up to Grade 8 in piano and also plays double bass and bassoon.
Caleb will perform with the Melbourne Youth Orchestra this month.
Your all-time favourite piece of music?
Shostakovich Symphony No. 5. First piece I played at AYO NMC; very meaningful and deep piece to me, particularly the third movement is just so beautifully written.
Best piece of musical advice you’ve received?
Lead your section from wherever you are sitting – from James Judd. If the whole section leads and places each entry and each dynamic together, there is no need for a conductor to stand up the front beating time. This has helped me rethink orchestral playing and make it far more engaging, even if you are at the back desk.
Most memorable concert experience?
AYO NMC concert 1. We played Shostakovich 5 and Die Fledermaus Overture by Strauss. It was by far the most musically moving concert to play in, best audience reception in a fantastic cello section.
Biggest fear when performing?
Throwing my bow into the audience! Ever since hitting an elderly audience member with my bow at the end of a brilliant finale as a 7-year-old, I have always been terrified of doing it again! I think this one will stick with me for life.
How do you psych yourself up for practice on a lazy day?
I tell myself that if I want to get anywhere, I have to practice. Although, for me, practice is not like homework. I enjoy my cello practice.
Most embarrassing moment in rehearsal?
Broken bridge in rehearsal. Most traumatic experience of my life. Just in a quiet bit of Sibelius 2, 1st movement, one of the legs of my bridge snapped, making the worst noise.
Favourite post-gig activity?
I like to go and talk to the audience members who have came to the performance, because for me, the performance is for the audience. They are the ones that have gone out of their way to come and see me play, so I feel the need to make it as genuine as possible. I want to know what they thought of the concert and let them know as a performer that I am happy to talk to anyone at all.
What are you most proud of in your musical career so far?
Principal cellist of MYO is by far my proudest achievement. I have a lot of respect for the position and it means a lot to me. It is a fantastic opportunity to get to know great musicians.
What do you love most about making music?
The best thing about music for me is creating emotions that mere human words cannot express. I feel that no alternative form of music has the same range of colours and sounds as the symphony orchestra. As a musician, I play cello because I can’t help it, the music has a sort of power over me that I can’t explain. I think if I was parted with orchestral music, I would go mad. I think that music is a gift in life that should be available to everyone.
What’s your ultimate goal?
My goal is to become a professional orchestral cellist. However, that’s a little bit selfish. My number one dream is to somehow breathe life back into ‘classical’ music, which is now considered old people’s music. I can’t imagine a world without classical music, and I think it’s sad that so few young people have an appreciation for it.
See Caleb Murray and the Melbourne Youth Orchestra perform at Deakin Edge, Federation Square, June 19. Tickets and info here.
Image supplied.
