BY HOLLY HARRISON AS TOLD TO CUTCOMMON
This year’s program was quite different to last year, as the week was split up into two main projects: the first being a concertino for soloist and orchestra, and the second arranging/orchestrating original songs from Australian singer-songwriters.
A large bulk of the day was spent in rehearsal with the orchestra, as well as privately with [my soloist] Stefanie Farrands. My viola concertino Hotwire embraces bluegrass and rock influences, and during one evening, Stef and I spent an hour working on a single connecting bar!
We also spent time debriefing as a composer group with the conductor, Elena Schwarz, and tutors and composers Matthew Hindson, Paul Stanhope, and Jessica Wells.
Behind closed doors, there was some score editing to be done, early morning changes to players’ parts, and the sourcing of good-quality vegetarian (and gluten free) food.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the social aspect, which I think is especially important for composers, as we tend to spend a lot of time on our own!
My main motivation for the program should come as no surprise: writing orchestral works for a professional orchestra and having them performed. In addition, I sought to absorb as much about orchestral writing as possible in a two-year period.
Along the way, I’ve received great feedback and insight into my music from [the composer-mentors], which will help shape the way I write for orchestra in the future.
Spending a week with an orchestra also allows for connections with musicians to be made – I so enjoy input from players and love this collaborative aspect of music-making. I also learnt that I can orchestrate a ballad!
It seems a no-brainer for orchestras to support emerging Australian composers and to encourage the next generation. How do we want the future of orchestral music to look?
It makes sense to me that orchestral programs reflect the musical voices of our time and place. The ACS is a testament to the TSO’s commitment to support and perform new Australian works, providing a type of sonic-laboratory for emerging composers to develop an arsenal of orchestral writing skills.
Read next: Harry Sdraulig shares his TSO Australian Composers’ School experience.
Images by Brad Harris.
