The Arts

MUSIC 

On Saturday 20 August a selection of instrumental music students and Academy staff, attended the Sheku Kanneh-Mason and the Kanneh-Mason family concert at Hamer Hall. Alison Hocking, classroom music teacher, Ensemble Director and Instrumental Music teacher, organised this excursion. Alison received very favourable feedback from the students in attendance at the concert and has compiled these reflections on the experience.

“The Sheku Kanneh-Mason/ Kanneh-Mason family recital at the Arts Centre in Melbourne City was a very inspiring and moving experience. Sheku performed a number of pieces accompanied by his sister, Isata, including the piece that he performed at Megan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding, Sicilienne by Maria Von Paradis, which was amazing to see live. In the second half of the program, the whole family performed a range of pieces, including 'Seal Lullaby' by Eric Whitacre and other pieces by composers including Mendelssohn, Shostakovich and Gershwin. Siblings doubled on different instruments and they all played with great expertise, passion, communication and commitment to each other.”

“The piano solos were especially breathtaking to watch, such as Impromptu Op. 90 No. 2 by Franz Schubert and Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 by Franz Liszt. The way they put their whole body into the music, and the speed at which their hands were moving with such complicated rhythms, we were in awe at all times. They created such a performance that they captured and held our attention long into the moments of silence before the theatre erupted in applause. It was great to see some of the younger members of the family perform, as they were around our own age or a couple years older, and at such a high level of performing ability”

“On reflection after the concert, we as an audience of aspiring musicians, agreed that the concert inspired us to keep practising and to strive to become better.”

A rewarding experience, fantastic opportunity, and fun-filled day of musical appreciation was had by all.

Ms Mirelle Morris

Co ordinator Instrumental Music