QUICK NOTES

Showing composure FOUR composers have been selected from 55 applicants nationwide to participate in the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra’s 2018-19 Australian Composers School. Three of the successful applicants — Holly Harrison, Ella Macens and Harry Sdraulig — are from Sydney, and Mark Holdsworth is from Perth. The school aims to prepare participants to a level where they can take up commission opportunities from professional orchestras. The successful applicants will work with director Matthew Hindson, conductor Elena Schwarz, along with tutors Natalie Williams and Paul Stanhope, and will spend a week each year workshopping with the TSO in Hobart. Wurlitzer wonders THE Theatre Organ Society will present an afternoon of Christmas cheer on Sunday — with strings attached. Organists Albert Hudson, Ian Eadie, Kevin Jacobson and Midj Jones will all perform on the Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ, and will be joined by special guests The Swinging Ukuleles. Hosted by Bill Brundle, the Theatre Organ Society’s Christmas concert will be held in Linmor Hall at St Michael’s Collegiate School (entry via Davey St) from 2pm on Sunday. Tickets are $5 at the door from 1.30pm, with students and children admitted free. Part of the Process THE Folk Process returns to Margate tonight for another Open Mic session, featuring several talented Tasmanian acoustic performers. A launching pad for several local musicians over the years, the Process is open to all comers, as long as they respect the acoustic nature of the evening — no electronics, just raw instruments and passionate performance. Tonight’s gig will feature live performances from Trouvers, Van Demon Angels, Helen Morrison and Georgina Richmond, the Margate Ukulele Group, Tony Aylward, and more. The Folk Process Open Mic will be held in the Brookfield Shed at Margate from 7.30pm tonight. Entry is free. Driver leads way LAUNCESTON-BASED leadership and organisational development expert Angela Driver has been announced as a new director on the board of Tasmania’s Ten Days on the Island festival, as the event moves towards a more regional focus. Known for her work with Tasdance and the Junction Arts Festival, Driver — a former Churchill Fellowship recipient — was a successful arts administrator, event manager, theatre director and community cultural developer before becoming the general manager of Tasmanian Leaders. Chairman Saul Eslake said Driver’s “background in the arts, events and leadership development will be a valuable addition to the direction that Ten Days on the Island is taking”. The appointment of the festival’s new artistic director, Lindy Hume, was announced in October.