Culminating in a spectacular concert as the finale, the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra (ARCO) hosted the popular youth orchestra program as part of its residential camp series.
The youth orchestra was conducted by Rachael Beesley and explored masterpieces by Beethoven, Bizet and Mendelssohn.
Co-directed by Beesley and Nicole van Bruggen, the program gives students and emerging artists a chance to experience first-hand the excitement of discovering music through the lens of historical performance style (HIP).
A Year 12 student at the Conservatorium High School, Maddie was one of only four French Hornists chosen to take part from across Australia and enjoyed the camp experience immensely.
“It was a privilege being taught by expert ARCO music staff who are all professional musicians trained in the very different Historically Informed Playing techniques and styles that would most likely have been adopted by orchestras in the 18th and 19th centuries,” she said.
“It’s very different to today’s big and bold sounds from 21st century orchestras on the modern concert hall stage.
“This camp gave me an excellent introduction to the history of my instrument and will influence my playing and goal of becoming a professional, orchestral French Horn player.”
Maddie will study a Bachelor of Music in Performance and a Masters in Performance next year before applying for scholarships in Europe.
“Overseas study is the journey every aspiring professional musician ends up making,” she said.
“There could be more amazing opportunities ahead and my motto is ‘say yes to everything’!”
