Wollongong Symphony Orchestra Limited was incorporated as a not for profit company limited by guarantee late in 2007 to take over the management of what is now the WIN Wollongong Symphony Orchestra from the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Ltd.

 

The chairman is Russell Fredericks who recently stepped down as chairman of IMB Ltd while remaining a board member. The other directors are Professor Chris Cook who works at the University of Wollongong, Graham Drayton, recently retired principal of the Wollongong Conservatorium, Julie Pinazza, senior educator and experienced event and arts manager, and Bob Crowe, a successful businessman and production coordinator. The three last were respectively executive producer, producer/orchestra manager and production manager while the orchestra was part of the Conservatorium, and they retain the same responsibilities in the new company ensuring a continuity of experience. Other members of the company are Illawarra residents who have consistently been active supporters of the arts and music in particular.

In broad terms, the orchestra objectives as set out in its constitution, are to promote and stage high quality musical performances, foster the appreciation of music in the community, provide opportunities for composers and young musicians, bring orchestral music to regional areas, provide orchestral support for local and visiting soloists and to promote the Illawarra region nationally and
internationally.

The decision to make it a professional orchestra with professional musicians paid at the going rate rather than an amateur community orchestra was taken so that a standard of performance comparable to the various state orchestras could be aimed for. This standard is increasingly being achieved as the orchestra matures.

The orchestra draws its regular musicians mainly from Wollongong and Sydney but some come from as far away as Nowra and Gosford. Many of the musicians are regulars or casuals with the Opera & Ballet Orchestra and/or other professional ensembles. Most also teach, and the orchestra includes talented tertiary students from Sydney Conservatorium.

 

 

A quartet from the WIN Wollongong Symphony Orchestra represented the orchestra at the IMB Community Foundation Launch at Edmund Rice College on Thursday 26th June. The IMB are Foundation Sponsors of the Orchestra and as part of our sponsorship arrangement we offer entertainment at such events. The quartet provided a very high standard of entertainment for guests from all over the Illawarra.

 

 

AUDITIONS
WIN WOLLONGONG SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

 

Auditions will be held twice a year in May/June and November/December.

 

The WIN Wollongong Symphony Orchestra has a core of musicians supplemented by a list of casual musicians.

All musicians interested in auditioning for either a place on the core list or as a casual should contact the Orchestra Manager, Julie Pinazza on 0413 356 213 or email to julie@wwso.com.au

 

For all instruments the audition will have three parts:

1. A classical concerto (first movement)

2. Choose either

• A Romantic Concerto or

• A 20th Century work or

• An own choice piece, which clearly shows the applicant’s technical skills and musicianship.

3. Orchestral excerpts, which will available for collection from the WWSO office up to three weeks prior to the audition.
   

N.B. The specific repertoire for each instrument is specified by the leader of the section.  

Violin Auditions

1. Mozart Concerto No. 3, 4, 5. (First Movement with cadenza)

2. First Mov. (Can be the exposition only) of any romantic or 20th Century Concerto (Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Sibelius, Dvorak, Paganini, Veniavsky, Shostakovoch, Prokofiev, etc) or an own choice piece, which clearly shows the applicant’s technical skills and musicianship.

3. Orchestral Excerpts

 

Cello Auditions

1. Haydn – Cello Concerto in C Major (1st movement, no cadenza) OR Haydn – Cello Concerto in D Major (1st movement no cadenza)

2. Bach – Prelude from any Suite for Solo Cello

3. Orchestral excerpts

 

MEET THE MUSICIANS

 

Principal Conductor

CARLOS ALVARADO – CONDUCTOR

 

The WIN WSO’s Principal Conductor, Colombian born and now Australian, Carlos Alvarado’s musical and artistic life has been intense and exciting. Studying music at the Tchaikovsky Conservatorium in Moscow where he graduated with the highest Russian academic distinctions in Opera and Symphonic Conducting under one of the leading Russian conductors of the twentieth century, Maestro Gennaddy Rozhdestvensky, he honed his conducting studies in various master classes and seminars of conducting under Professor Hellmuth Rilling, the founder of the International Bach Academy in Stuttgart, Germany.

 

Five years ago and by now a passionate conductor with experience conducting orchestras and choral works in Europe, Brazil and Colombia, Carlos emigrated to Australia where, he says “Australia is a great place to continue developing my artistic ideals. I enjoy working with Australian musicians and I have found that Australian audiences seem to appreciate my style of conducting.”

 

Carlos is proud of his achievements in founding many musical ensembles, musical groups and orchestras in his native country, and, over the last five years in Australia; he has continued to promote new musical groups in addition to his major passion, the WWSO.

 

“CARLOS COMPARES MORE THAN FAVOURABLY WITH EVERY FAMOUS CONDUCTOR I’VE SEEN IN EUROPE. HE IS STUNNING TO WATCH, PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT HE DOES AND IS ALL TOGETHER INSPIRING”
BRUCE GORDON

 

 

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ORCHESTRAL PRINCIPALS

ALEXANDRA LOUKIANOVA – Concertmaster / Principal First Violin

 

Alexandra was born in Moscow, Russia. She finished her violin studies with a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Tchaikovsky Conservatorium of Music where she studied under the renowned violin teacher Professor Galina Barenova. As a solo violinist, Alexandra’s performances have led her successfully to international concert halls, performances on TV shows and radio recordings in Russia, Ukraine, Ireland, Germany and Colombia. She was the Concertmaster of the Russian Ministry of Education Orchestra and First Violin of the XX I Century Orchestra in which she toured throughout Ireland. At the end of 1993, Alexandra moved to Colombia, South America.

 

By 1994, she was appointed Associate Concertmaster of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Bogotá after winning an open international competition for the position where she remained for eight years until 2002. She has performed in the most prestigious concert halls and auditoriums of Colombia. The years 1995-2002 marked another career-height, the National University Conservatorium of Colombia named her Associate Professor of Violin.

 

In 2002 Alexandra moved to Australia. Since then she has been actively performing as soloist in various venues in Canberra, Sydney and the Illawarra region including numerous recitals at Sydney Conservatorium of Music. In 2003, The Manly Warringah Choir and Orchestra invited her to be the Concertmaster where she continues leading this orchestra to this day. A year after her settling in Sydney the Wollongong Symphony Orchestra was created and Alexandra was one of the co-founders. Since then, she has been the Concertmaster and soloist of the now WWSO. In the course of this, Alexandra played with the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra for a number of years, whilst teaching at the same time at the Australian International Conservatorium of Music from 2003-2004 as well as at the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music from 2003-2008.

 

In July 2009, Alexandra opened her own music school, the City Central Music School in Wollongong. Her intense and profound professional teaching experience has inspired many students. She’s now involved on a panel of jurors of Violin Competitions in various parts of Sydney and the Illawarra region. In November 2009 she performed in a concert series as solo violinist with an American composer and pianist Eric Genuis as part of his Australian tour.

 

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ANTONIA TODOROVA – ASSOCIATE CONCERTMASTER

 

Antonia Todorova has been an associate concertmaster of WIN Wollongong Symphony Orchestra since the formation of the orchestra in 2004.

 

She has been the leader of Penrith Symphony Orchestra from 2003 and plays as co concertmaster in Waringah Manly Orchestra.

 

Antonia completed her bachelor of violin performing in Sofia State Conservatorium of Music in Bulgaria. She has been working in various musical ensembles in Sofia including The Ensemble of Bulgarian Army, The State Musical Theatre Orchestra, The New Musical Theatre Orchestra, and The Ladies Chamber Orchestra.

 

Since migrating to Australia in 1999 Antonia has been performing with the East West Symphony Orchestra and Willoughby Symphony Orchestra.

 

Antonia works as a freelance musician. She enjoys playing in various ensembles and performing on stage.

 

 

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ALAN FOSTER - PRINCIPAL SECOND VIOLIN

 

British-born Alan Foster has had a long and distinguished music career that includes performing, conducting and teaching. As a professional violinist in New Zealand he has played in radio orchestras, regional orchestras, and for over twenty years was a first violinist in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

 

In Australia he has played with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Hunter Symphony, Opera House Orchestra, and from 1994 – 2004 was resident conductor/concertmaster of the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra. He has also been a member of several chamber music ensembles, most notably the Gesentsvey Quartet in New Zealand. As a conductor Alan has directed many operas for professional companies both in New Zealand and Australia, as well as light opera and musicals.

 

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ZDZISLAW KOWALIK – PRINCIPAL VIOLA

 

Zdzislaw (George) Kowalik was born in Poland. From 1978 to 1983 he studied viola at the Fr.Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw under the guidance of Professor I. Skrzypczak and S. Kamasa. He also studied Chamber Music under the guidance of Professor K. Wilkomirski. In addition, he attended Interpretation Master Courses in Lancut, Poland with F. Druzynin, in the USSR and K. Levin Sweden. In 1983 George was awarded a Master of Arts from the Warsaw Academy of Music.

 

Soon after graduation he was invited to perform with the Warsaw String Quartet in Talents Week, a festival in Tarnow Poland. This led to numerous performances and television broadcasts. From 1984 to 1987 he received a position as a viola player in the Mexican City Philharmonic Orchestra where he participated in recordings for EMI Records and appeared on Mexican television.

 

In 1988 he moved his family to Australia and settled in Sydney where he became a part of the National Chamber Opera of Australia and the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra. He is currently leading the viola section in the Wollongong Symphony Orchestra. As part of a joint project sponsored by Casula Power House, Liverpool City Council and NSW Ministry of Arts, the highly acclaimed Chilean guitarist, Victor Martinez, has dedicated a viola solo to Zdzislaw. He dedicates his time to teaching violin and conducting string orchestras in his private studio L’estro Armonico Classical Music School as well as the Macarthur Anglican School, St. Peter’s Primary Anglican School and the Broughton Anglican College.

 

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MICHAL WIECZOREK – PRINCIPAL CELLO

 

Michal received his Master of Arts majoring in Cello from the Academy of Music in Katowice Poland In 1980. He has taken master classes with Kurt Levin in Poland and Uz Wiesel in Germany as well as Catherine Hewgill in Sydney. He recorded for EMI, EBS and VIFON with the Polish Radio and Television Orchestra where he held a permanent position for 12 years before migrating to Australia.

 

Since arriving in Australia, Michal has played with various orchestras including the Sydney Symphony, Hunter, Opera and Ballet and Newcastle orchestras. He has held the position of principal cellist with Willoughby, Warringah, Sydney Philharmonic, Hunter, Gosford Newcastle University, Newcastle Cathedral, Novacastrian Arts Orchestra and the Vov Dylan Viennese orchestra. Michal has been the principal cellist of the WIN Wollongong Symphony Orchestra since its inauguration.

 

Michal taught at the Frederic Chopin School of Music in Poland and now teaches privately in Sydney.

 

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DAVID POTTS – PRINCIPAL DOUBLE BASS

 

David Potts was a member of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra for 32 years, from 1970 until 2002. Born in Fiji and educated in Melbourne David began his working life as an industrial chemist here in Sydney. Music and the Double Bass began as a late hobby and quickly developed into a passion. He changed professions to join the ABC National Training Orchestra when it started in 1967. From there he went to the SSO in 1970 and soon began to also teach privately.

 

David is still very active musically as a freelance player, and is also a String Examiner for the AMEB.

 

When asked what he likes about playing the Double Bass, David says, "The Double Bass sound from a good instrument is deep and resonant, almost visceral as it vibrates against my body. In the orchestra its roles of underpinning higher instruments and helping bring out changes in the music are valued greatly by conductors."

 

 

 

 

 

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JOHN CRAN – PRINCIPAL WIND/ BASSOONIST

 

John has played first bassoon in every orchestra in Australia, toured overseas with the SSO several times from their very first tour and played with many of the world’s most famous conductors and soloists. Highlights of his time with the SSO would be the opening of the Sydney Opera House and performances overseas in the Albert Hall in London, Musicverein in Vienna, Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Carnegie Hall and the United Nations in New York.

 

Chamber music and solo playing have been integral to John’s career, as has teaching. He was awarded a Churchill Fellowship for teaching in 1975.

 

John retired from the SSO in 1997 after 40 years as principal bassoonist.

 

"I was delighted to be invited to play with the Wollongong Symphony and I particularly enjoy working with young players who are on the threshold of their careers. We are privileged to have such fine musicians as Carlos and Alexandra to direct this orchestra and their enthusiasm to provide the best local music is inspiring and contagious."

 

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SUZANNE COWAN - PRINCIPAL FLUTE

 

Suzanne Cowan is currently living, teaching and performing in the Wollongong area. She completed a Bachelor of Music with Honours majoring in flute performance at the Sydney Conservatorium studying with Michael Scott, Esme Yamaguchi, Louise Dellit and James Kortum.

 

Suzanne played with the SBS Radio and Television Youth Orchestra for many years touring with them to Italy, Malta, Vienna, Budapest, Prague, China, Japan, Estonia, Russia and Finland. She recorded a Concerto by Clifford Abbott for CD with them which has been broadcast on ABC Classic fm.

 

Suzanne currently teaches flute at the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music, The Illawarra Grammar School and St Mary's College. She is director of the three Conservatorium Flute ensembles who have toured internationally to Belgium, Japan, USA, Germany and New Zealand. In 2009 they were awarded a Gold Award at Rhapsody Rotorua and in 2002 they were the winners of the National School Age Flute Ensemble Competition in Melbourne.

 

As well as playing Principal Flute in the WWSO, Suzanne has a passion for chamber music and performs whenever possible for various music clubs.

 

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PETER SMITH – PRINCIPAL CLARINET

 

Peter Smith began his association with the Sydney Conservatorium during high school, studying under renowned teacher Mark Walton through the Youth Access Centre. After coming first in NSW in the Music 1 HSC course he went on to recently complete a Bachelor of Music Performance degree. In 2008, Peter was the recipient of the Balmain Sinfonia's Prize for Winds scholarship and performed as soloist with the Balmain Sinfonia that year. Peter is also a strong supporter of quality modern Australian music and has commissioned numerous works from emerging composers.

 

Peter also takes a keen interest in instrumental repair and works as a part-time woodwind technician. Peter enjoys playing the clarinet because he enjoys the clarinet's incredible versatility and divine expressiveness, being able to spin emotional lines in any sort of situation. When asked what he enjoys about playing with the WWSO, Peter says, "Being able to play challenging and wonderful repertoire with talented musicians."

 

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MARK BROWN – PRINCIPAL TROMBONE

 

Mark is a double graduate of the NSW State Conservatorium of Music, having gained both a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Trombone Performance (1996) and a Certificate of Piano Tuning and Technology (1982). His professional trombone credits include Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, English National Ballet, Sydney Philharmonia, Sydney Seasons of Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Beauty and the Beast, Miss Saigon, Crazy for You, My Fair Lady, The Merry Widow, The Mikado, Michael Crawford Australian Tour, N.S.W. Police Band, Tommy Tycho, Ed Wilson Big Band, three international contracts with P. & O. Cruises, club gigs backing variety artists and rock bands.

 

In 1994 Mark was awarded the Bellhouse Memorial Conducting Scholarship and in 1995 was selected for the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor in Training program under Maestro Henryk Pisarek. He later travelled to the Czech Republic and attended the Symphonic Workshops International School for Conducting.He is currently Director of Ensembles at Manly Selective Campus, Musical Director of Bands at SCEGGS Darlinghurst and Musical Director of the Lane Cove Youth Orchestra. He is also the conductor of the Conservatorium High School Wind Sinfonia, Sydney Youth Orchestra’s Wind Orchestra and the Education Departments Performing Arts Unit Symphonic Wind Orchestra. When asked about what he enjoys about playing the trombone, Mark says, “The Trombone is the most noble sound of the Brasses (i.e. loudest! )” Mark also believes passionately that music can change lives.

 

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BYRON WESTBURY – PRINCIPAL TRUMPET

 

Byron completed a Bachelor of Music Performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, studying with trumpet players from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Opera & Ballet Orchestra. He was accepted as a Postgraduate student at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, where he studied with Murray Grieg and John Miller. While living and studying in Europe Byron was invited to play principal Trumpet with the Royal Northern College of Music Opera Orchestra, Wind Band, Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra for performances, tours and recordings. Byron now manages the Five Cities Brass Quintet, is a very active teacher, holding positions at several private schools in Sydney, conducting bands and teaching privately at his studio. Byron is passionate about new music, especially for the trumpet and loves to work closely with composers and other musicians in chamber groups.

 

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PAUL STILES - Horn

 

When I discovered the unique sound of the horn in my teenage years, somehow innately I came to believe that making music was going to be a life time passion. Opportunities to learn and perform kept a young musician busy and “off the streets” with the Sydney Youth Orchestra and the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra. Around me where encouraging teachers/mentors in music including Clarence Mellor (Principal Horn-SSO) now retired, Anthony Baldwin (piano) and of course my father Allan Stiles, a musicologist who still loves to play all his trombones! After studying music while at the King’s School, I auditioned for the ABC Sinfonia (National Training Orchestra) in 1984, and became further exposed to vast amounts of repertoire while having an association with the Sydney Symphony. Seasons with the Australian Youth Orchestra and then Hunter Orchestra followed and later I was to perform and record as soloist with the Beecroft Orchestra. Over the years I became a Horn and Brass teacher in various Sydney Colleges and schools and at the Central Coast Conservatorium.

 

Currently I’m a musician serving the Royal Australian Navy where I’m engaged in various chamber music ensembles as well as the Wind Orchestra and Parade Band. Working with the new Wollongong Symphony Orchestra since it was re-established in 2004, has been an enriching and inspiring time performing under such an enthusiastic and passionate conductor like Carlos.

 

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DAVID MANUEL - Principal Percussionist

 

As a Professional Musician David has performed and toured as a percussionist with Michael Crawford, Shirley Bassey, Jerry Lewis, Michael Ball, Peter Allen, Hugh Jackman, Shirley Jones, Kylie Minogue, Olivia Newton John, David Hobson, Anthony Warlow and Rhonda Birchmore and was regular percussionist with Tommy Tycho’s Sydney International Orchestra for nineteen years.

 

His professional theatre credits include; Chess, A Little Night Music, Hot Shoe Shuffle, A Chorus Line, Blood Brothers, The Pirates of Penzance, Disney’s Beauty and The Beast, Man of La Mancha, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, South Pacific, Sunset Boulevarde (in concert), Mamma Mia, Dirty Dancing and Sunday in the Park with George.

 

David has recorded many varied projects with Tommy Tycho, the Opening Ceremony for the Sydney Olympic Games with James Morrison as well as albums with Anthony Warlow, Mary Schneider and recently, Mark Vincent, as well as many others.

 

His television credits include The Midday Show, Sunday, Sunrise and Australian Idol.

 

He is currently Principal Percussionist and Timpanist with the WIN Wollongong Symphony Orchestra.

 

As a Percussion Educator, David has taught percussion and drum kit at all levels of education for over twenty five years. He has presented clinics and workshops for Billy Hydes Drumcraft, The Australian Band and Orchestral Director’s Association and The Band Association of NSW as well as adjudicated The NSW Band Association’s Solo and Party competitions. He has also adjudicated at the Australian Percussion Eistedfodd.

 

He is currently owner and principal of the ‘Drum It Up Drum and Percussion School’ at Sutherland (www.drumitup.com.au).

 

 

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A Selection of Core Musicians

 

STRINGS

CATHARINA HUGHES - VIOLIN

 

Catharina Hughes graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 1992 with a Diploma of Music Performance, studying with Harry Curby and Perry Hart. She toured with the Australian Youth Orchestra in 1991-92 and has worked with orchestras for the major Sydney productions of Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Porgy and Bess, My Fair Lady and Showboat, as well as The Hunter and Sydney Opera House Orchestras. Catharina has recorded as soloist and with various ensembles for artists, publications, and commercial recordings.

 

Catharina teaches privately and has tutored various chamber and orchestral groups. She has played principal second violin with the Concertante Ensemble since 1998 and appeared with the ensemble as joint soloist in Double Violin Concertos in both 1998 and 1999. She also currently teaches the violin at Sutherland Shire Christian School, plays freelance in the Sydney and Greater Sydney Regions and is an assistant principal second violinist with the Wollongong Symphony Orchestra.

 

 

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SARAH HINDSON – VIOLIN

 

Sarah Hindson is a graduate of the University of Tasmania where she completed a Bachelor of Music with Honours (performance) and a Graduate Diploma in Music (performance) as a student of Dr Jan Sedivka. Sarah Hindson loves teaching the violin, playing with the WIN Wollongong Symphony Orchestra and chamber music. For Sarah, music making sometimes inspires prayer, sometimes poetry (expressing feelings which seem hidden from words within her) and sometimes the chance to breathe with a composer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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LIANA BONACCORSO – VIOLIN

 

Liana has been teaching both piano and violin in a professional capacity for just over 20 years. She has an extensive studio in Mt Keira, preparing students for AMEB exams, eisteddfodau, HSC performances and auditions for scholarships. She also tutors at the Illawarra Grammar School and St Mary’s College Wollongong. Liana also tutors the junior and senior string orchestras and string ensembles at TIGS.

 

Liana attained her AMusA, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Graduate Diploma of Education from Wollongong University. She studied an intensive Italian language course at the University of Perugia in Italy from 1988 to 1989.

 

Liana has played for numerous musical theatre productions in the Illawarra and has been with the WWSO since 2006. She is currently vice-president of the Illawarra branch of the Music Teachers’ Association and is a member of the Suzuki Talent Education Association of Australia.

 

 

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MELANIE KOELLER - Violin

 

Melanie is a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music gaining a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance (2007). She studied violin with Professor Goetz Richter (Chair of Strings at the Conservatorium) and with Emma West, a principle player in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Melanie has performed with the Sydney Conservatorium Orchestra and has been invited to play with the Wollongong Symphony Orchestra on occasion since 2005. She also enjoys playing regularly in the newly established Wollongong Community Orchestra and in various contemporary string ensembles.

 

In 2008 Melanie completed her Diploma of Education in Music Teaching at the University of Wollongong and is currently tutoring violin students and teaching both Junior Music and String Ensemble at Shellharbour Anglican College.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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STEVE MEYER - CELLO

 

Steve Meyer began playing cello while studying flute at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music where he graduated with the highest mark in his year for performance. After working as a flute player for Opera Australia and various ensembles, Steve commenced formal cello studies with Susan Blake in 2004. He completed a Diploma of Music in 2006 graduating with a distinction in cello performance. Steve has performed as principal cellist for several orchestras including the Sydney Opera House Orchestra, Balmain Sinfonia, Manly Warringah Orchestra and the Bourbaki Ensemble. As a chamber musician he has performed with many ensembles including The Stables Quartet and Halcyon contempory music ensemble. He has performed in masterclass for Alexander Ivashkin, Theodore Kuchar and members of the Tackas, Australian and Jerusalem Quartets and the Eggner Trio. Steve has been invited to perform for the Governor of NSW and at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville. In 2007 he was chosen to perform with the Sapphire Quartet for the 21 world leaders of the APEC forum. In 2009 Steve gave the world premier performance as soloist in Mark Oliveiro’s Cyan Echo II for cello and string orchestra with the Bourbaki Ensemble. In November 2010 he will perform as soloist in Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C with Orchestra 143. Steve currently teaches chamber music at the Conservatorium High School.

 

 

 

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CATHERINE BARNETT – CELLO

 

Catherine Barnett studied Violoncello externally at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne with Miriam Morris. She graduated from La Trobe University, Melbourne in 1995 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology). She was a member of the Melbourne Youth Orchestra from 1991-1992 and the Chamber Strings of Melbourne from 1992-1994, before moving to NSW in 1995, where she performed with the SBS Radio and Television Youth Orchestra in Sydney from 1996-1998.

 

Based in Oxford and Wells in England (1999-2001) performance from Trinity College, London in 2000 and the Licentiate Diploma in Violoncello Performance from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London in 2001. Since returning to Australia in 2002, Catherine has done freelance performing with a variety of orchestral and chamber ensembles. She has been a member of the Macarthur String Quartet since 2002 and WIN Wollongong Symphony Orchestra since 2009.

 

Catherine now teaches cello privately in Bowral, NSW.

 

 

 

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JOHN BENZ - CELLO

 

John Benz received his musical education in Australia and Germany. After completing his Honours Degree with Kurt Hess at the University of Adelaide and chamber music studies with the Australian String Quartet in Adelaide, he continued his studies in Europe, receiving a German Music Performance Diploma at the Freiburg Staatliche Musikhochschule. He also participated in music courses in Europe for Cello and Chamber music with world renowned artists. In Australia he has been a member of the Adelaide Chamber Orchestra and was a founding member of the Adelaide Cello Ensemble. He has recorded several CDs in Australia and Europe. Concert Tours have lead him through Europe, Russia, Korea and the USA with Ensemble Franz Schubert, Ensemble Cologne, Zurich Symphony Orchestra and Camerate Europeana. He holds teaching positions at music schools in South Germany and plays with the Dijon Opera Orchestra in France. Since 2002 he is artistic director of the Flavigny Music festival in Burgundy. 2010 he is living and working in Sydney, Australia, holding a teaching position at the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music, performing with Ensemble Cologne in Europe (and Korea) and is a member of the Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra as well as a core member of the WIN Wollongong Symphony Orchestra.

 

 

 

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MICHAEL BARKL – DOUBLE BASS

 

Michael Barkl lives in Wollongong and has been playing the double bass with the WIN Wollongong Symphony Orchestra since its inception. Michael studied composition and double bass at the Sydney Conservatorium, continuing his studies at the University of New England for a Master of Music in composition, and Deakin University for a PhD in musicology.

 

As a performer, he played the Sydney rock venues from the Stage Door Tavern to the Bondi Lifesaver in the late 1970s before becoming a freelance bass player in the early 1980s Michael’s compositions include cabaret music and musicals as well as concert music for orchestra, chamber ensemble and solo instruments. Orchestral works have been performed by the Adelaide, Tasmanian and Western Australian Symphony orchestras; solo piano works have been performed by Sally Mays and Michael Kieran Harvey.

 

As a musicologist Michael has published analyses in Australian journals and contributed articles to the Oxford Companion to Australian Music, the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, and the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. He has also published six books on subjects related to composition, analysis and jazz.

 

Michael was a pioneer of contemporary music education in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector and has been head of the music department at the Illawarra Institute since 1987. In recent years he has been more involved in electronic music, completing a Doctor of Creative Arts in this area at the University of Wollongong in 2009.

 

 

 

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WOODWINDS

JANE DUNCAN - FLUTE

 

Jane Duncan is a freelance musician currently living and working in Sydney. She has recently completed of a Master of Music degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music towards which she gained a high distinction. In 2004-2005 Jane attended the Royal College of Music in London on an exchange scholarship. She has also performed with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s Symphony and Chamber Orchestras and in 2000 Jane recorded a concerto with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

 

As a semi-finalist in the 2MBS-FM Young Performers Awards, Jane has given two live solo recitals on radio and has performed her own composition at the Sydney Opera House.

 

Jane’s interest in contemporary music was sparked a number of years ago, and has lead her to research, perform and write about the electroacoustic works of Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho in particular. In 2007 Jane presented a paper in Brisbane on the performance practice issues in works for flute with electronics at ‘Islands’, the conference of the Musicological Societies of Australia and New Zealand.

 

As a core member of new music ensemble Chronology Arts, Jane enjoys premiering new works by emerging composers for flute, piccolo, alto flute and bass flute.

 

 

 

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ALEX CROWE - CLARINET

 

Growing up in Wollongong, Alex had always been involved in music through the Wollongong Conservatorium. After a false start on the French horn (her hands weren't big enough yet!), she commenced clarinet lessons with Nigel Edwards at the age of ten and hasn't looked back since. From early beginnings as a member of the BHP Youth Orchestra, Alex played with Sydney Youth Orchestra for several years and toured Germany with the SBS Youth Orchestra in 2008. She completed a Bachelor of Music Studies (Conservatorium of Music)/Bachelor of Arts (University of Sydney) double degree in 2009, receiving majors in Performance (clarinet), Anthropology, and Government and International Relations. While at Sydney Conservatorium Alex studied with Cathy McCorkill and Frank Celata. Alex is currently studying Honours in anthropology, with her thesis examining the incorporation of Indigenous influences within the Australian art music scene. Alex has been with the WIN Wollongong Symphony Orchestra since its inaugural concert in 2004 and sees the WWSO as a vital cultural presence in the Illawarra.

 

 

 

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LAURA BROWN – BASSOON

 

Laura began studying the bassoon with Nigel Edwards at the Wollongong Conservatorium in 2000 and was a member of the Bluescope Steel Youth Orchestra from 2002-2005. From 2005-2007 she attended the Conservatorium High School in Sydney and during this time she was also a member of the State Schools Symphony Orchestra, touring to Europe with them in 2005.

 

She is currently in her third year of a Bachelor of Music Performance at the Sydney Conservatorium where she studies with Andrew Barnes. Laura was a member of The Sydney Youth Orchestra from 2006-2009 and has also attended the AYO Young Symphonists Camp in 2007 and National Music Camp in 2008 and 2009. In 2009 she played with the Australian Youth Orchestra and she also participated in the Sydney Conservatorium Chamber Orchestra’s European tour. Laura regularly plays bassoon with the WIN Wollongong Symphony Orchestra with John Cran as the principal.

 

 

 

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BRASS

ANDREW DEL RICCIO – Trumpet

 

Andrew is a Sydney based trumpeter, conductor and teacher. He has performed extensively with many of Sydney’s leading ensembles including the Sydney Symphony and Australian Opera & Ballet Orchestras, as well as founding the Blues Point Brass Quintet. He holds degrees in performance and education having studied at the Sydney Conservatorium, University of British Colombia and University of Western Sydney as well as periods studying trumpet at the Schola Cantorum Basilliensis in Switzerland and conducting in the Czech Republic.

 

Andrew says “Playing with WWSO has proven to be a hugely enjoyable opportunity to play major works in a friendly atmosphere with excellent musicians and Carlos’ musical passion.”

 

 

 

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HARP

GEORGIA LOWE - Harp

 

Georgia Lowe is a fourth year student at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, completing her Bachelor of Music (Performance). She has been studying under Louise Johnson, principal harpist of the Sydney Symphony, for the past five years. Georgia has also taken masterclasses from internationally-renowned Australian harpist Alice Giles.

 

Georgia has been the harpist of the WIN Wollongong Symphony Orchestra since early 2010. She participated in the Sydney Symphony's Sinfonia program in 2008 and 2010. She also joined the SBS Orchestra in 2010, having played with the Sydney Youth Orchestra from 2007. This year Georgia attended the Australian Youth Orchestra's National Music Camp, and in 2007, the Australian International Summer Orchestral Institute in Tasmania. Georgia also regularly plays with local Sydney orchestras and choirs including Willoughby Orchestra, North Sydney Orchestra, Penrith Symphony Orchestra, Balmain Sinfonia, Macquarie Singers, Manly Warringah Choir and the Sutherland Choral Society.

 

In 2008 Georgia travelled to the UK as part of a study tour. At the Royal Academy of Music she attended masterclasses by the head professor of harp, Skaila Kanga, the principal harpist of the London Philharmonia, Hugh Webb, and the world's foremost jazz harpist Park Stickney. In Italy she studied the mechanisms of the harp by visiting the Salvi harp factory and museum located in the small village of Piasco in Piedmont.

 

 

 

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