NEW MUSICIANS, VIOLIN AND SURFING PROJECT

Apologies for the ghastly Blog blank. The ACO 2006 Sub’s year has long ago ended with glorious, vibrant pianist Polina Leschenko . ACO then went on to finish the year in W.A. at Vasse Felix, Janet Holmes a Court’s winery; one of the original wineries in W.A. Not particularly long ago did cows get the boot in favour of grapes, but now when one thinks of Margaret River the predominant thought is of wine - and surf. The surf is astonishing, the swells are consistent and often large; indeed perhaps it’s the most consistent place on earth for surf, so long as the local winds stay out of the picture. The wind can be brutal and relentless, but the end of November is a less ferocious month, and we were lucky that the Fremantle Doctor (Roaring Forties) didn’t come knocking too hard.

We’re proud to announce three appointments to the ACO core membership:

Principal cello: Timo-Veikko Valve who hails from Finland.
Principal viola: Chris Moore, Newcastle via the Melbourne Symphony principal viola position
Ripieno cello: Julian Thompson, Canberra

Emerging Artists

’06 was the inaugural year for our ACO2 . project. We can now say that ACO incorporates two orchestras, the second being a training camp for the ACO core group. In ’07 we will tour ACO2 on the eastern seaboard of Australia and hopefully finish with a BIG BANG in Sydney.

We are working on a tour with the working title

Musica Surfica * Musicians, Surfers, and Students combining in pursuit of Emerging Frontiers*. ACO2 will perform a vast range of repertoire, and they will get a taste of being on the road.

In April, ACO travels to the USA for a 3 week tour in George W’s land of the you’re either with us or against us. Doesn’t leave much room for intelligent debate does it.

RT is now proudly performing on the Carrodus Del Gesu. One of the most generous – NO – the most generous donation ever afforded a musician in Oz. An anonymous donor – please don’t cheapen this gesture by trying to guess - with a love for wood and excellence has purchased one of the greatest violins made from the Cremonese workshop. This superb instrument is to be on loan to RT for his performing life - more details soon with photos and descriptions of this rich masterpiece.