MUSICALLY-inclined college students from the University of New England will perform their second concert on 25 September at Lazenby Hall at 6.30pm.
The UNE colleges have always championed sporting prowess and nurtured academic performance. Music, however, has traditionally been less prominent, and until recently few outlets for musical talent were available within the college system.
This all changed earlier in the year when the Head of Austin College, Andrea Gledhill, met first-year medical student and accomplished violinist, Audrey Guo.
One of the first things Audrey asked Andrea was whether there was an orchestra she could join at UNE. There wasn’t, so Andrea got to work.
It soon became apparent that Audrey was not the only talented musician residing in the halls of UNE. No less than 30 students responded when asked about their musical capabilities, and a remarkable level of talent was revealed.
Andrea called in the assistance of Deidre Rickards who has been a familiar figure in the musical scene in Armidale for many years, and was recently recognised with an Order of Australia for her dedication to the arts and teaching.
Four initial groups were identified: a string quintet, a flute quartet, a Beethoven group, and a jazz combo. More recently, a guitar ensemble has formed, under the direction of renowned guitarist, Steve Tafra.
After only a few months playing together, the first concert of the College Ensembles took place in early August.
Bruce Menzies, another prominent figure in the Armidale arts community, congratulated the College Ensembles on an “impressive performance that clearly delighted so many people.”
“This is a wonderful initiative,” Dr Menzies said. “It is so important to give young musicians who come to UNE and who have reached a certain performance level the opportunity to pursue their talents in a supportive environment.”
Andrea is immensely proud of the abundance of talent that has been uncovered and the work the students and directors have put in.
“The College Ensembles have a lot to offer, not only to the colleges and to UNE, but to the wider community as well,” she said.
“What we have discovered is that we have top-class musicians amongst us, and we are so happy that this extra dimension to college life now exists.”
The second concert is to be held on 25 September at UNE’s Lazenby Hall. It is a free concert and will feature performances by each of the ensemble groups. Don’t miss what is set to be a superb display of young musical talent.
