Big Apple Youth Play Wollongong
Illawarra Mercury
Wednesday July 18, 2007
AN invitation to play with the touring Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York at Thirroul tonight is the thrilling yet daunting challenge facing a group of young Wollongong musicians.
"It's exciting to be playing with the New York orchestra, but nerve-wrecking at the same time," said flutist Lauren Bortolazzo, 16, from the BlueScope Steel Youth Orchestra.Tanya Phillips, who manages the Wollongong Conservatorium-based orchestra, said American orchestras had until recently stuck to the capital cities when they toured Down Under."They're honoured and privileged that people want to come to Wollongong and play with them," she said. "The fact Wollongong is often included in the tours now is a testimony to the music we're doing."She said the Wollongong orchestra had enjoyed playing with their Colorado Springs counterparts and also the Danish National Orchestra.But New York had a certain kudos, attracting music teachers of the highest calibre, Mrs Phillips said. She was looking forward to seeing the different nuances in the performances of the New York and Wollongong folk.The two groups meet this afternoon for the first time and, after just one practice, play together at Anita's Theatre from 6.30pm."It's really exciting, I've never played with anyone from New York before," violinist Jane Aubourg, 17, said.The concert will be a varied, accessible mix of classics, easy listening and serious music.The Wollongong orchestra opens with an all-Australian composition list, including Waltzing Matilda, to take on the Yanks' Stars and Stripes Forever.
© 2007 Illawarra Mercury