Lauding musical talent

In its 2019 Concert Series the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its relationship with the University of Otago, which is marking its 150th. Rebecca Fox asks the stars of this year’s programme why the relationship between the two is so significant.

FOR more than half a century, the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra and the University of Otago have worked together, making the university’s 150th anniversary the perfect time to celebrate the relationship, orchestra general manager Philippa Harris says.

‘‘The extraordinary musical talent that has emanated from the university and the crucial contribution these musicians have made to the orchestra goes back to the start of the orchestra and continues to this day; it richly deserves celebration.’’

As a result, the orchestra has designed its 2019 concert series around celebrating musical talent with former students Anna Leese, Emma Fraser,

Joel Amosa and Tecwyn Evans and staff members Anthony Ritchie, Peter Adams and Heleen de Plessis all involved.

‘‘The orchestra provides many music lecturers and students with performance opportunities as conductors, composers, soloists or as part of the orchestra such as the DSO’s Concertmaster is the university’s violin lecturer.’’

The orchestra provides performance students with experience working with the DSO’s conductors and soloists.

‘‘This experience is absolutely crucial if they wish to pursue a career as orchestral musicians.’’

University of Otago provicechancellor humanities Prof Tony Ballantyne said having the DSO was very important for the city, but also for the School of Performing Arts.

‘‘It provides excellent opportunities for our students, graduates, and staff.’’

The construction of the new recording studio and refurbishment of teaching spaces on the East Campus — where the School of

Performing Arts will relocate in 2020 — and several joint educational projects, such as masterclasses and preconcert talks are further extending that commitment, he says.

We asked several University of Otago staff members and former students about the relationship between the university and the orchestra and what memories they have of performing with the DSO.

1 In what ways has the close relationship between the university and orchestra been important for you?

2 What memory stands out for you performing with orchestra?