NEWS from NECOM STRINGS
The summer break was most welcome after another busy year and here we are back into action for 2020!
2019 ended with a fabulous concert by the Errol Russell Sinfonia of New England, led by Joanna Fairs-Wu and directed by guest conductor, Gywn Roberts. The ensemble included our NECOM string teachers, advanced students, alumni and community members and showcased soloists Sophia Mackson on viola and James Mackay on oboe. A fabulous effort by everyone involved and a great example of the community coming together to present a performance of such professional quality.
Welcome to Sarah Adeney as our newest violin/ viola teacher. Sarah has her AMusA on viola and has gained experience in teaching violin and viola whilst residing in Queensland. She gave a stunning performance of a Biber Sonata for Viola in St Mary’s Cathedral in early January.
Our Head of Strings, Joanna Fairs -Wu continueD her annual participation at the Riverina Summer School for Strings from 12-17 January. She attended as conductor of the Nelson Cooke Orchestra and performed in the Sounds of Summer Concert Series directed by Susan Collins providing the opportunity to perform major string orchestra repertoire and chamber music with the highest calibre of musicians. There were a couple of adult string players from NECOM's Con Brio that attended as well including Ken Barnett (violin). He was chosen as one of the outstanding Lunchtime Concert performers during the week, to perform solo at the Grand Finale Concert at the Wagga Civic Centre. The Riverina Summer School for Strings is unique in that it provides for all ages and levels of string players, including guitar and mandolin, playing classical and world music.
Term 1 has already been busy for string staff and students attending the recent AYO Sawtell Music Camp and this week's visit by the Australian Haydn Ensemble Quartet so the year has started well.
From Joanna Fairs-Wu, Head of Strings