People

Across decades of performances and teaching, including engagements in Argentina, Austria, Ireland, Japan and Sweden and a decade spent in Germany, Sally Walker’s experiences of the profound power of music have inspired her to pursue a range of philanthropic activities.

“Music is the conduit through which I live my life. It’s the way I view my challenges, my successes.” Meet CSO Concertmaster, Kirsten Williams, who will direct the upcoming Classic Afternoon: The Elements, presented by Canberra Weekly.

Leah Curtis: “In To Rest in Peace, I saw a visually stunning film capturing a moment of time in Kuwait during the tensions of the 1990 Iraqi invasion. I wrote a score to resonate with the humanity of the main character.”

“Mozart was a crucial turning point in the entire history of opera and musical drama,” says conductor Dane Lam, joining National Opera and the CSO to present La Clemenza di Tito.

Discover the story behind Jane Brown Pearls, one of the generous supporters of the CSO’s Fundraising Gala.

Concertmaster Kirsten Williams on the joy of chamber music – the music of friends – and its role in orchestral development.

“This 26-minute symphonic Christmas fantasy has it all: trumpets announcing the birth of Christ; Santa emerging out of a snowstorm (represented by a heroic solo bassoon); and a rollicking sleigh ride, featuring a slapstick to emulate Santa’s reigns demanding the tireless reindeer fly faster.”

“I have felt truly happy and energised to have shared with our engaged and intelligent audiences so many extraordinary moments…performances that have opened hearts, enriched souls and undeniably brought us closer together as a community.”

“Music and imagination go hand in hand, be it composing, performing or conducting.” Jessica Cottis discusses the compositional process with Elena Kats-Chernin.

Jessica Cottis asks Australian composer Holly Harrison about inspiration and limitation of ‘genre’ and humour in the compositional process.