“You need experience and guidance, but even more importantly, you need someone to believe in you, and to believe in the value of what you do.”
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Growing up in Sydney, I’ve spent my life going to concerts at Sydney Opera House, and it’s been a dream of mine that one day my music might also be performed under those iconic sails.
Last year I attended Omega Ensemble’s CoLAB showcase. I knew a few of the composers having their works performed, and having been to other Omega Ensemble performances, I knew it would be a fun performance.
But this concert was different. The musicians played with such energy and enjoyment, and I’ve never seen an audience so excited by the music of young composers. There was cheering and foot-stomping. For me, as someone just starting to make a career out of my music, it was truly invigorating.
I left the performance thinking: I want to be part of this.
And so, when I was accepted into the CoLAB program, with the opportunity to work with the Ensemble and to have my music premiered at Sydney Opera House later this year, I was thrilled. I'm trying to not sound cliché by saying it’s a dream come true. But if I’m honest, it really is!
Working with Omega Ensemble is not just another marker in my portfolio. It's an opportunity to have my music showcased by a group of musicians so highly respected for what they do. There’s not many groups in Australia like them, and to build connections with their musicians and mentors, and learn from the international collaborators they work with, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any young composer.
It can be really difficult to navigate an industry like classical music, especially in Australia. There is no one path to success, and I know simply writing good music isn’t enough to build a career. You need experience and guidance, but even more importantly, you need someone to believe in you, and to believe in the value of what you do.
Each of us in this year’s CoLAB program have been encouraged to put forward music that makes a bold statement of who we are as composers. The Ensemble said, “we want to hear your voice” and that’s a scary thought, as putting your ideas and true self out there can be a very vulnerable process. But when you have the support of a group of people who truly believe in what you do, it’s also very empowering.
I cannot wait for Omega Ensemble to bring my music to life on stage at Sydney Opera House.
Make a tax-deductible donation and help support the next generation of Australian musical voices.