People

“I think a playlist made by a musician should change constantly, according to the interests, what we are studying and the research we are doing. This playlist is the result of five months without live concerts but a lot of time spent studying different repertoire.”

“Good music should go beyond just sounding beautiful. The pieces in this mixtape elicit memories, inspire me to be a better person, or just feel so real I can nearly feel the notes! Many of these works were inspired by stories or historical events. Others elicit personal, visual landscapes associated with particular memories from when I first heard them. My hope is that these pieces help you to find time to recall and enjoy past memories, or find new inspiration in your future endeavours.”

“While stretching the definition of wind slightly, this mixtape is an invitation to explore the ‘path less trodden’ of Australian music compositions for both solo and chamber music ensembles centred around a wind instrument.”

“Marked with the words ‘Slow. Calm. Deeply felt,’ the Adagio of Mahler’s third symphony seems to exist outside of any conscious acknowledgement of temporality. Starting with one of the most wondrous of prayers, it’s a tour de force of tectonically slow and sustained playing from start to finish. So intense it almost physically hurts, until the brass emerge with their glorious and noble chorale.”

Alina Zamfir: “I struggle to acknowledge that I will never be able to hear or watch, learn or perform every single piece of music out there. The fact that there is always room for growth and improvement can be both a challenging and beautiful thing.”

“This repertoire relates to my musical journey – early experiences with music, performances and pieces that inspired me.” Lucy Macourt, Violin, Kingsland Resident

“The pieces I’ve chosen are all a bit unusual or adventurous. They’re designed to take you on a journey, from the ferocious to the serene – ending in some fun.” – Dianna Gaetjens, Principal Horn

“Everyone has those moments that seem to freeze time, all-consuming moments of our lives that live like YouTube links in our minds. We are shaped by them, stories told time and time again. They never change, preserved for life by the emotional print they forged in us.” – Doreen Cumming, CSO Principal Second Violin

“This very personal playlist is a selection of recordings that have been significant to me, or have associations with my friends and family. Music is important in my family, and in my life as a musician I’ve formed many longstanding friendships.” – Pip Thompson, Violin

“Make a cup of tea, grab a comfy chair and join me on a musical road trip!” Rowan Phemister, CSO Harp