Music students' talent on show

It’s been called the School of Music’s biggest concert of the year – a convergence of talent and musical ability coming together on tonight for the Ode to Music. And best of all, it is free to the public but you do need a ticket.

The Ode will feature performances by Ensemble groups, ANU Chamber Orchestra, ANU Chamber Choir, ANU Jazz Collective and DRUMatix, as well as special guests and distinguished artists in residence including renowned Australian violinist, director and concert master Rachael Beesley.

“It’s been a wonderful project that Professor Peter Tregear has brought together, specifically to highlight the talents of the staff and the students at the School of Music,” she says, describing what the public will see as a “celebratory program” of talent.

“What’s unique about this program is we’ve got the chamber choir coming together as well to sing in both the Ode for Saint Cecilia’s Day and for Bach.

“It’s featuring Rachael Thoms and Dr Paul McMahon in some really outstanding vocal writing from Handel. It’s almost like an opera, a little mini opera. The text is about harmony and celebrating the creation of music so I think it’s a really appropriate text and an appropriate work.”

Rachael Beesley is a distinguished artist with the School who has taught at Melbourne University and the Sydney Conservatorium, and also works with the Australian Youth Orchestra.

She says her passion is contributing to music education in Australia.

“For me it’s a real passion to share the experience and the knowledge with the next generation and to give them those opportunities which they should be able to get within Australia.”

The Head of the School of Music, Peter Tregear, says the concert is also an important chance for staff and students to give back to the community and that’s one of the reasons why it’s a free event.

“I think as a matter of principle, one of the things we should do is acknowledge that all of us to a certain extent are, to various degrees, indebted to the wider community for their support.

“And that’s what I think we’re showing, that the ANU School of Musicis at the forefront of music education and that we’re highlighting various aspects of the School of Music in this concert.”

Professor Tregear says the last piece to be performed will be an Ode for St Cecilia’s Day, which is normally celebrated on 22 November.

“The Ode is a piece that dates to the 17th century. It’s a human praise of music itself, so it seems to be a very appropriate piece to conclude the concert,” Professor Tregear says.

The concert starts at 7pm tonight at Llewellyn Hall. Free ticket registrations can be made at via the Ode to Music event page.