The Glasshouse will host the inaugural Bravissimo concert, a mid-north region HSC musical showcase, in a once-only matinee performance next Friday, February 17.
The concert will feature performances by around 25 students from the region who excelled in their HSC music exams last year and have been drawn from 15 schools in the area, spanning from Coffs Harbour down to Forster and out to Armidale.
The Bravissimo program celebrates the culmination of many years’ intensive practice for these young performers, to whom music wasn’t just a subject choice, but a passion driving their motivation to excel.
“These young people are truly amazing,” concert coordinator Leanne Johnson said.
“This is a marvellous accolade, not only for the student, but also for each of the 15 schools involved. Each student will perform one of their HSC performance pieces that earned them their excellent music result.”
Some of the students will be performing with their band or ensemble including choir accompaniment, while others will perform as soloists.
The music featuring in Bravissimo will span all styles and genres of music as it draws from the wide range of topics that the students studied, including rock, classical, jazz, music theatre and contemporary music.
Taree High School’s Kumari La Motte, piano and singing, advises younger students to only do things they truly enjoy.
“Your passion for the subject will shine in your end products and will inspire others to do the same,” she said.
St Joseph’s Regional College former student Laura Small, pianist, insists that the key for aspiring musicians is to practice.
“Anything is possible if only you practice it enough,” she said. “Practice even when you’ve lost faith in yourself. Eventually you’ll realise that practicing really has paid off, and that’s why you sound so awesome.”
Armidale High School music teacher Roweena Teege said Stephen O’Hearn “is the most talented guitarist I have taught in my 25 year career.”
St Columba’s Jonathon Hingston was an accelerated student, completing year 12 music while in year 11. With strong results he recommend younger students become accelerated so as to free up their HSC year.
Bravissimo is a not for profit event, organised by volunteers, and the ticket price has been kept as low as possible so that other young people can come and be inspired.
The matinee concert will be held Friday, February 17 at 12.30pm. Adult tickets are $22 and concession tickets are $14 and can be purchased from the Glasshouse on 6581 8888.
