BY MICHELLE FORBES AND STEPHANIE ESLAKE
Welcome to Con Fuoco, CutCommon’s interview series with emerging musicians in Australia.
Meet Kristopher Nash – TYO1’s principal clarinettist. Between these Tasmanian Youth Orchestra rehearsals, he is a grade 10 student at Taroona High School.
Kris and his family first arrived in Australia in late 2011, after having sailed from Denmark 16 months earlier on the beautifully restored Yukon – a 1930 Danish fishing ketch. He was introduced to the clarinet by a friend at Franklin Primary School and decided immediately that he wanted to be a musician.
The Huon Valley Concert Band has seen and supported much of Kris’ growth – he first conducted the ensemble at the age of 12 and then debuted as soloist at 14. Following these initial opportunities, Kris has since conducted various bands at Taroona High and often assists classes while teachers are away.
Kris’ recent achievements include film score composition for Avon Blazely’s award winning film Outside, and winning first prize in the chamber music section of the 2016 Clarence Eisteddfod alongside fellow TYO musician, Tasman Compton (TYO1 principal bassoon).
Your all time favourite piece of music?
I don’t think I’ll ever have a singular favourite piece of music; there are way too many pieces that I love way too much. Having said this, I have recently listened a lot to Rachmaninoff’s third piano concerto. The many beautiful passages, perfect moments of climax and the subtle thought processes hidden in the work are some of the most interesting I have come across.
Best piece of musical advice you’ve received?
‘Excellent technique is crucial.’ My ex-tutor Steven Kenyon would constantly say this to me and I absolutely agree. Working on technique teaches you a lot about your instrument and gives you a lot more freedom in what music you can play and how fast you can learn it.
Most memorable concert experience?
Hearing the Grieg piano concerto for the first time in concert played by Javier Perianes and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Marko Lentonja. I don’t think I’ve ever been so engaged in a piece the first time I heard it.
Biggest fear when performing?
My biggest fear when performing is being unprepared. If I am well prepared, I can calmly go through an audition. If I’m not, I can barely perform in front of my family.
How do you psych yourself up for practice on a lazy day?
I generally listen to my favourite clarinettist Martin Fröst play something energetic and/or try to imagine worst scenario outcomes of not practising.
Most embarrassing moment on stage or in rehearsal?
My most embarrassing moment was probably in a pit band where we played a tango. I got really into it and decided to trill on a certain note, and the conductor was so surprised he was thrown off for about eight bars.
Favourite post-gig ritual?
Favourite thing to do after a concert is probably to go and stay with a friend that also performed, because you’re generally on a high and it’s great to share that with someone.
What are you most proud of in your musical career so far?
My proudest moment was probably turning to bow after having conducted in front of my first major audience at a great art festival my school puts on every year.
What do you love most about making music?
My favourite thing about playing music is this certain moment that sometimes occurs: where every musician in the group is playing at their very best and an amazing feeling occupies everyone in the room simultaneously.
What’s your ultimate goal?
My ultimate goal is to either become a professional conductor or clarinettist.
See Kristopher Nash perform at the TYO Spring Concert on October 30. For more information and tickets, visit the website. CutCommon subscribers can score adult tickets at concession prices to this gig.
Images supplied.
