Simon Tedeschi Performs With The Sydney Youth Orchestra
The Sydney Youth Orchestras kick off an exciting year of music-making with their friend and mentor pianist Simon Tedeschi as guest soloist. In Intensity of Emotion Simon Tedeschi will perform Brahms’ Piano Concerto No.1, Op.15 followed by the orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.5, Op.64.
Simon Tedeschi says “Brahms’ first piano concerto is a tumultuous battle between piano and orchestra, simultaneously embodying the exuberance of youth, and gravitas. Written when the composer was just 25, it shows a preternatural understanding of harmony, and its inherent ebullience, drive and fire make it a fitting concerto for the wonderful SYO, who possess both the depth and youthful verve to handle this monumental work. It’s always a joy to perform with SYO, and I’ve been dreaming of playing this concerto since I was a kid: with Alex Briger at the helm, it’s sure to be an exciting journey!”
Sydney Youth Orchestras commences its second year led by Chief Conductor and Artistic Director Alexander Briger AO, recent recipient of the Officer of the Order of Australia recognising his contribution to the Australian musical landscape.
Performing in this concert is The Sydney Youth Orchestra, the top-tier orchestra in the many ensembles of the Sydney Youth Orchestras. It comprises some of the best young musicians in Sydney – dedicated students who study and practice for long hours, in addition to attending weekly rehearsals and regular concert performances as part of SYO.
For over 42 years, SYO has been a vital part of our nation’s cultural life, training thousands of talented young musicians. The annual program encompasses 11 ensembles, with nearly 500 young musicians aged 6-25 years who have a strong educational foundation as well as performance ability and a thorough knowledge of repertoire.
SYO is a unique training ground, feeding young musicians to organisations such as the Australian Youth Orchestra, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, the Australian National Academy of Music, the Sydney Symphony Fellows and ACO2. Indeed, 23 members of the recent Australian World Orchestra performing under Sir Simon Rattle were SYO alumni.
SYO alumni are present in all of the nation’s professional orchestras, leading chamber ensembles like the Goldner Quartet, Australia Ensemble, Ensemble Offspring and the Omega Ensemble, as well international orchestras including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, the Halle Orchestra, Bayerische Staatsoper, and Hong Kong Philharmonic.
SYO’s program equips members for a career as a professional musician as well as teaching teamwork, discipline, dedication, leadership, and a commitment to excellence. Whatever career path its graduates follow, they are well placed to become leaders in and contributors to the community, future audiences, donors and supporters.
