Theonie Wang is set to shine as concertmaster in ANAM’s major gala event

BY CUTCOMMON

The Australian National Academy of Music isn’t like other institutions. While it works to advance the technical skills of its students, it also facilitates an entire year’s worth of concerts in which those early career musicians can gain practical experience. They learn how to perform in the same environment they might encounter in their industry careers — but they’re nurtured through every step.

This year kicks off with a major ANAM Orchestra Gala Concert. It’s led by Asher Fisch — and ANAM violinist Theonie Wang will take on the leadership role of concertmaster, guiding her section through Brahms’ Symphony No.2.

We settled in for a chat with Theonie to learn how she’s been preparing for such a major position with the orchestra in this event — and how she imagines it might fuel her career in music.

Theonie, you have a huge role coming up — concertmaster for the ANAM Orchestra Gala Concert! How are you feeling about taking on this role?

I’m absolutely thrilled to be taking on the role of concertmaster for the ANAM Orchestra’s Gala Concert for Brahms’ Symphony No.2. It’s truly an honour to be entrusted with such a significant position, especially for such a special event.

I’m feeling a wonderful mix of excitement and anticipation as I get the chance to collaborate with incredibly talented musicians and, of course, to work alongside the brilliant maestro Asher Fisch.

This opportunity to lead the orchestra and contribute to such a meaningful evening is something I’m deeply grateful for. I’m really looking forward to embracing and making the most out of this experience.

So tell us a bit about how you’re managing things! What are some of your main responsibilities as concertmaster, and how is ANAM helping to prepare you for the big event?

As concertmaster, some of the main responsibilities include working closely with the leaders of each section to ensure cohesion. It’s about finding the balance between maintaining leadership while blending seamlessly within the section, ensuring the sound is unified and harmonious.

ANAM has been incredibly supportive in preparing me for this role, especially through the […] sectionals for Brahms Symphony No. 2 with the ANAM string faculty. [These sessions] help refine the details of the music, and give insights into how to effectively lead and connect with my colleagues.

Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to be coached by Sophie Rowell specifically focused on leading as concertmaster, learning the subtleties of gesturing and how to communicate to the orchestra.

These experiences have been invaluable in my preparation, and allow me to feel confident in leading the orchestra.

You’re tasked with being the concertmaster specifically for Brahms’ Symphony No.2. How have you familiarised yourself with this work — and in doing so, what have you found that you love about it?

To prepare for Brahms’ Symphony No. 2, I’ve spent time immersing myself in the full orchestral score. What I really love about this symphony is how Brahms creates these seamless interactions between the different sections of the orchestra, creating a sense of dialogue throughout.

I’ve particularly enjoyed exploring the nuances of the intricate passages, which seem to reflect Brahms’s personal emotional journey, especially considering he wrote this symphony surrounded by the Austrian countryside.

Why are you interested in taking on this leadership role? Would you like to work towards becoming the concertmaster of an orchestra, or are you interested in gaining leadership experience more broadly, for instance?

I’m really looking forward to serving as concertmaster because I believe this role enables a special sort of non-verbal communication and partnership between myself and the conductor.

It is such an intense form of collaboration where trust and spontaneity can emerge, which ultimately gives the audience a more authentic and exciting view into orchestral interaction.

I’m thrilled to be playing alongside my close friends and colleagues where we will also be listening and responding to one another. Developing this sensitivity is important for whatever roles I’m headed for in the future, whether that be concertmaster or any leadership position in an orchestra.

I am incredibly grateful to be in this position, as these experiences will play a key role in shaping my future career.

What are you looking forward to when it comes to working with Asher Fisch?

I believe all my colleagues are beyond excited to work with Asher Fisch – I’ve heard nothing but the best about him. We are incredibly fortunate at ANAM to work with such world-class conductors, and cannot wait to work alongside him.

What excites me most about working with Maestro Fisch is the chance to experience his unique approach to music-making. I’ve been deeply inspired by his Brahms: The Symphonies recordings with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, and am thrilled at the opportunity to perform under his baton. It’s a rare and special experience to work with someone of his calibre, and I’m confident it will have a lasting impact on my artistic development.

You’ve played violin pretty much forever — starting at 3 years old — and you have graduated from your Bachelor of Music at Queensland, and picked up so many other achievements along the way. What drew you to continue studying and training through ANAM?

What initially drew me to ANAM was the incredible faculty, and particularly the chance to learn from [head of violin] Adam Chalabi. His mentorship has truly been a transformative experience for me. Adam’s deep musical insight, combined with his genuine passion for teaching, has not only shaped my technical abilities but also inspired me to think more deeply about music in a way I hadn’t before.

Additionally, weekly coaching sessions with Sophie Rowell have deepened my understanding of collaborative performance and intricacies of interpreting chamber music.

One of the things I’ve found most inspiring at ANAM is being surrounded by like-minded musicians who share the same drive and passion for music. The atmosphere here is uniquely supportive, which has allowed me to thrive both artistically and personally.

I’ve always been eager to learn and expand my musical horizons, and ANAM has proven to be the perfect place to do so. The institution offers a unique combination of opportunities to perform in solo, chamber, and orchestral settings, all in one place. This holistic approach to training has allowed me to grow in all areas of my musicianship while also preparing me to take the next step in my career, which includes studying overseas in Europe.

ANAM has truly been a catalyst for my continued artistic and professional development, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a dynamic and nurturing environment.

Is there anything else you’d like to share before performing in the gala concert?

I am beyond grateful to be leading the Brahms Symphony No.2 under the baton of Maestro Asher Fisch, and am feeling so excited to feel the electrifying energy within the orchestra. I just hope to see as many of you there at the Melbourne Recital Centre for this special evening concert.