Heleen Du Plessis

Professional Practice Fellow, I am lecturing in cello, pedagogy of music teaching and music theory at the music department of the University of Otago and as principal cellist of the DSO for the international concert series. Performance: Strings To Their B

1. One can compare the importance of the relationship between the university music department and the orchestra to that of the medical department and the hospital. In order to teach at tertiary level, lecturers must be research active and also be practitioners in their field. They act as role models for students, not only of their own instrument but for aspiring musicians in general and often give them onthejob training, as many of our students play in the orchestra where they get experience and can apply what they are taught. The orchestra provides an essential part of the research environment in which staff and students learn and teach. On the other hand, professional musicians related to the university provide the orchestra with strong leadership positions and advanced students that enhances the level of the orchestra. Together they form a strong partnership in the advancement of arts and culture in Dunedin and on the South Island.

2. A tour to Japan. It was a wonderful cultural exchange and connection. Classical music is flourishing there, sought after, highly regarded and valued. It meant a lot to the players, but also to Dunedin, for the exposure it created.

1. It’s symbiotic in so many ways, from our staff and students performing in it, principal players of the orchestra on some instruments teaching our students, staff composers having their work played by the orchestra. What the orchestra does is

important for us and what we do is important to them.

2. I’ve only performed with the orchestra in the context of the Tally Ho concerts. I think the smiles on the players’ faces as they came off stage after the first one in 2015 having played to a full house and standing ovation.