As the curtains close on 2011 and a New Year beckons, the freshly acquired music and life skills acquired by the Fellows will be put to the test in the competitive world of classical music. Steering the Fellows toward success as professional musicians has been the central intention of the Fellowship Program, and there is little doubt that it has made a big impact on the way eight very talented young musicians think about and play music.
In the end though, it is up to the Fellows themselves to make the most of their future with what they have learnt and experienced over the past 12 months. Collective discussions about the most enjoyable and beneficial Fellowship moments have been running rampant lately, with speculation about the future at the core of conversations.
The following quotes paint a picture of the Fellowship journey and the potential for growth that still underpins future musical aspirations. Evidently, playing with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra was a privilege that resonated with all members of the group.
“This year has probably been the best year of my life, but if I was to put my finger on one thing that I enjoyed the most, I would have to say that it was getting to play with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. It’s the best orchestra that I’ve ever played with and I’ve never experienced such a supportive and encouraging learning environment. Despite me being in awe of the professionals I got to play with, they were always so accessible. Learning from amazingly talented individuals who wanted to see me to succeed has definitely been my highlight.
“Going into 2012, I really don’t know what to expect, and don’t know what to be excited about yet. There are heaps of options that I have to have a think about for next year, so I guess having multiple opportunities is the most exciting thing.” – Katie Zagorski, Flute
“Although the whole year has been incredible, I most enjoyed being on stage with the Sydney Symphony, particularly for Mahler 9 and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, which are two of my favourite pieces. I also enjoyed building connections with dedicated musicians and getting to know the 2011 fellows. We had some wonderful times working on the chamber music side to the program and I particularly enjoyed playing the Beethoven Septet.
In 2012, I’m most looking forward to building new relationships with musicians, continuing relationships with the 2011 fellows and practising hard.” – Rowena Watts, Clarinet
Katie and Rowena weren’t the only Fellows who enjoyed playing with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Tara Houghton benefited from the experience immensely.
“I’ve loved everything, but the most pleasurable experience has been playing with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. My playing has improved out-of-sight because of the fabulous mentoring I’ve received from people in my section.
“I’m looking forward to exploring all the unknown possibilities next year more than anything else.” – Tara Houghton, Viola.
“All the Fellows I got to work with made 2011 really enjoyable. It was such a great bunch of people, and I got along well with everyone socially and musically. It was really a fluke that we were all so instantly compatible as a collective. Playing with the Fellows and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra this year gave me direction, and I now know that playing in a professional orchestra is the job for me.
“Next year I want to embark on a new challenge, so I plan on relocating to London to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. In the meantime though I’ll be looking for freelance work and using the experience I’ve garnered with the Sydney Symphony to progress.” – Freya Franzen, Violin
It has been a sweet year for the Fellows – one that they’ll savour for years to come. Being presented with an opportunity to surround themselves with the best talent and teachers allowed the Fellows to learn via osmosis and experience music in new and exciting ways.
The awardees of next year’s Fellowship Program are soon to be announced, and we’ll have fresh blog content from new Fellows in due course. In the meantime though, you’ll be kept up-to-date with the movements of the 2011 Fellows as they move on to new challenges.
Next year is set to be an intense and interesting time, and we look forward to sharing it with all of you!