ANAM Australian National Academy of Music

Mahler Chamber Orchestra – an international experience for ANAM students

In an exciting initiative, ANAM has secured its first international arts partnership with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra (MCO), commencing in February 2013, providing the opportunity for five students - Edwina George (QLD) violin, Jonathan Heilbron (VIC) double bass, Caroline Hopson (QLD) violin, Thibaud Pavlovic-Hobba (TAS) violin and Katie Yap (QLD) viola - to take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity. 

International touring is prohibitively expensive for most arts organisations but especially for arts training organisations and their students. It does, however, provide a wonderful opportunity for the professional development for those lucky enough to have the experience of playing alongside some of the world’s leading players in some of the world’s renowned concert halls.

The Mahler Chamber Orchestra, an international touring orchestra, is on the move approximately 200 days each year. With wide-ranging education projects, the MCO is also increasingly involved in community and outreach work. The MCO has been recognised as an official European Cultural Ambassador for the years 2011 to 2013.

Working side-by-side with members of the Mahler Chamber Orchestra represents a fabulous opportunity for Edwina, Jonathan, Caroline, Thibaud and Katie in terms of learning, network building and experience. Through this partnership, these five exceptional students will be invited to join the MCO for their three-concert tour of Germany in February 2013.

Spanish conductor, Pablo Heras Casado, will lead the program with one of Scandinavia’s leading cellists, Andreas Brantelid as soloist.

The program includes Dutilleux’s Cello Concerto and Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique and will be performed in Dortmund, Essen and Cologne from February 15 to 25.

All training, tutoring and internal transport is covered by the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, however Edwina, Jonathan, Caroline, Thibaud and Katie will need to pay for their return flights to Dortmund, meals and accommodation.

 We are very hopeful that this will become an annual part of the ANAM program and your support will ensure its success in year one.