Enjoy this trip down memory lane, shared by AdYO Junior Strings conductor Martin Butler and the wonderful Shirin Lim:
Young stars to shine in their own galaxy
The Advertiser, Monday 9 September 2002
Words: Rebecca Ker
Picture: Brenton Edwards
Cellist Hannu Siren and violinist Olivia Wells are two of South Australia’s brightest young musical stars.
They practise their craft for hours on end and have dreams of musical careers – and they are not alone. The pair yesterday took to the stage with 64 peers – forming the state’s new intermediate orchestra.
While most of the Adelaide Youth Sinfonia’s (AdSi) members are quite at home making music for big crowds, it was their first performance together in front of 400 people at Elder Hall.
AdSi premiered with a program of Capriccio Italien and Lord of the Dance at the Adelaide Youth Orchestra concert, Rhapsody.
Formed to bridge the gap between Adelaide Youth Strings (eight to 12-year-olds) and Adelaide Youth Orchestra (18 to 26-year-olds), AdSi’s members are aged 10 to 18 years. They play strings, double woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.
AdSi’s conductor and viola player, Martin Butler, said it was important to nurture the talent of young musicians.
“They really are the very best kids from around the state and it’s an important social thing,” he said.
“We do it (encourage youth) with sport so we should do it with music.
“They are giving up a lot of their time – some are playing in up to four orchestras.”
Hannu, 13, of Beverley, said he rose at 5.30 each morning to practise his music. He has been playing for two years and dreams of becoming a cellist for a major orchestra.
“I just like the cello – I can’t stop playing it,” he said.
“It’s fun, you get to play famous songs.”
Olivia, 11, of Beachport, said she had been playing the violin for about six years.
She rehearses almost every day.
“I love the sound and it is fun playing in orchestras,” she said.
“I like the end result, it makes you feel really cool because it sounds so good.”
The Advertiser, Monday 9 September 2002
