Aspiring chamber music performers from around the state are tuning up in anticipation of QPAC’s inaugural Playing it Together competition regional heats this week.
Secondary School Chamber music groups were invited to enter the competition, launched in April this year, with 45 groups from Cairns to the Gold Coast set to take up the challenge.
The groups’ talent will be on show at regional heats in Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Sunshine Coast, and Townsville from 8 to 18 September.
QPAC Executive Producer Programming, Ross Cunningham says he is delighted with the number of entries received from across Queensland.
“Playing it Together is all about encouraging music students to work together to develop their instrumental technique, ensemble skills, and live performance experience. At the same time, it is also a competitive process that challenges students to achieve their very best, with the most outstanding ensemble receiving concert opportunities with one of Australia’s most widely respected chamber music groups, QPAC company in residence, the Southern Cross Soloists,” said Cunningham.
One group from each region will be chosen to participate in a three-day Chamber Music Development Program at QPAC offering learning opportunities with some of Queensland’s most experienced chamber musicians and educators.
Participants will also perform onstage at the state’s leading performing arts venue, QPAC, competing in the competition Semi Finals on November 1, as part of this program.
Up to six successful ensembles will then be selected from the Semi Finals to perform in the Concert Hall, QPAC at the Finalist’s Concert on 2 November 2009.
The most outstanding group will be announced at the end of the Finalist’s Concert and will receive: three concert opportunities, including a performance with one of Australia’s most widely respected chamber music groups, the Southern Cross Soloists, $5,000 voucher to be shared among the schools nominated by the group, (to purchase music instruments, equipment or accessories), and a digital video camera for each musician in the ensemble.
The Playing it Together program is led by musician and educator, Paul Dean, director of the Southern Cross Soloists and a solo clarinettist.
Deans says he believes that chamber music is the essence of what it is to be a musician.
“The program will encourage Queensland’s young aspiring musicians and give specific tuition for playing in small groups, rather than in orchestras and concert bands. I wish all the groups the best of luck at the heats and look forward to working with those who are lucky enough to be selected to go further in the competition, and helping develop their confidence and performing skills through workshops and master classes in Brisbane,” he said.
QPAC Playing it Together competition entrants are from: Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Gold Coast, Gladstone, Sunshine Coast, and Townsville.
The $50,000 statewide program is an initiative of the Queensland Government’s Children and Young People in the Arts Action Plan for 2008-2011