Welcome to Con Fuoco, our series with emerging artists in Australia.
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts student Jesse Vivante is in his third year of a Bachelor of Music. The multi-skilled percussionist has performed across Australia in renowned venues including the Perth Concert Hall, Perth Arena, Australian National Academy of Music, and the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.
Jesse’s performance experience ranges from symphony and chamber orchestra through to contemporary music groups, percussion ensembles, and film recordings. This Perth artist has also learnt and performed with leaders in the field including Steve Schick (USA), Kuniko Kato (Japan), Miquel Bernat (Spain), and currently learns with Tim White.
Your all-time favourite piece of music?
I’d have to say that my favourite piece is either Beethoven Symphony No. 9 or Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor. Regardless of the use of percussion in the works, I find them amazing to listen to, and don’t think I’ll ever get sick of them.
The Rachmaninov has been a favourite of mine since I first studied it back in high school, and Beethoven Symphony No. 9 I think is just some of the most powerful and exciting music there is.
Biggest fear when performing?
My biggest fear for performing would have to be the unexpected happening; something simple like miscounting rests, or dropping an instrument, or even breaking a stick.
I also often get worried about other small things, and they can tend to really throw me off, such as my hair not looking right, or my shirt coming untucked. Any of these things happening during a concert are easily my biggest fears. I hate looking bad.
Most memorable concert experience?
My most memorable concert experience would have to be playing Mahler Symphony No. 2 with the West Australian Youth Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Music Makers (Singapore) in the Perth Concert Hall.
This was easily my most memorable concert due to a number of factors including working with international conductor Tze Law Chan, spending a week rehearsing in in the Perth Concert Hall, and mainly it being my first Mahler symphony. It was extremely enjoyable to play, as the size of the orchestra was fantastic and the joint effort from both orchestras also made it extremely memorable.
How do you psych yourself up for practice on a lazy day?
It’s a challenge that can pop up at any time, but there are usually two main things that can get me in the mood to practice:
The first is thinking about why I am practising, whether this is a performance, an exam, or an audition. This really helps me as I always want to perform my best, and it keeps me motivated to reach the end goal.
The second thing that can get me in the mood to practice is the thought that whenever I’m not practising, someone else is. I think this is a great motivational tool because when applying for auditions, it can really keep you focused and working hard towards your goal.
Most embarrassing moment on stage?
I once played a concert with WAAPA’s Defying Percussion Ensemble; concerts which are always bursting with energy and excitement. However, during one of the pieces, I got a bit too excited and whilst dancing to some of the African music we were playing, I managed to split my pants. Luckily enough, I was able to switch to a new pair during interval, and to this day I’m still happy that no one managed to notice.
Best piece of musical advice you’ve received?
The best piece of musical advice that I have ever and think will ever receive was given to me when I first began at WAAPA. I was three or four weeks into my first semester, and worked up a piece and asked one of the older students to listen to me and critique my playing. This student was Thomas Robertson, and after playing for him I said: ‘I’m sorry I struggled with that section – I just find it really hard’; to which he said: ‘Just do it’.
Initially, I remember being torn up about this as I thought I wasn’t good enough. However, these three words have permeated into a lot of decisions I have made in my life since then. Whether it be putting myself out there by taking auditions, performances opportunities, or even performing in competitions, these words said to me by Thomas will always stick with me.
Favourite post-gig ritual?
I don’t have any specific post-performance ritual. But I guess, being a percussionist, it’s always the pack-up. However, after that, I usually like to spend my time post-gig relaxing and being with the people that I have just played and performed with. I always love this, as the best part of music is the fact that it brings people together. (And, definitely sharing quite a few beers with them.)
What are you most proud of in your musical career so far?
In 2017, I was fortunate enough to be accepted to play in the American Triptych short course hosted by the Australian National Academy of Music. This was an amazing experience as I got to play with some of the best young percussionists from around Australia and New Zealand and perform at ANAM with them. This was also fantastic as I was able to work with three heavyweights of contemporary percussion music, comprised of Steven Schick, Jan Williams, and William Winant.
My reasoning behind being proud comes from my ability to rise to such an occasion, and socialise and perform some amazing music with percussionists from around the world.
What do you love most about making music?
I think my favourite aspect about making music is the satisfaction you feel after a performance; the feeling of working hard at something and receiving the reward. And, also, the fact that it brings people together. I’ve met so many fantastic people, whether this has been from playing classical or contemporary concerts, that I’m so fortunate to not just think of as fantastic musicians but amazing friends.
What’s your ultimate goal?
My ultimate goal is to be enjoying myself with music, whether this be performing in an orchestra, freelancing, or teaching. I’d really love to be a principal timpanist in an orchestra one day, both living and performing abroad.
See Jesse Vivante perform on 21 July with the WA Charity Orchestra, 7-8 September with the WAAPA Faith Court Orchestra, 13-15 September with the WAAPA Defying Gravity Percussion Ensemble, and 22 September with the West Australian Youth Orchestra.
(Wow.)
WAAPA Open Day takes place this 12 August. Learn about these ensembles and courses like Jesse’s at the Mount Lawley campus!
Our Con Fuoco series has showcased emerging musicians in Australia since 2015.
This year, we’ve decided to team up with the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts so that we can shine the spotlight on those training for their performance careers in Perth. Let’s celebrate emerging talent together!
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