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Looking to the Future by lyndie on Nov 08 2007

Since the Festival we have been in contact with many of you about how we can best move forward with the Festival in the future. We have had an overwhelmingly positive response from people who attended the Festival. We have spoken to students, teachers and tertiary educators and have carefully considered your suggestions and comments on the questionnaire that you completed.

'My most sincere thanks to you for your contributions on behalf of all of us. I left Sydney with utter respect for the flute community. The level of playing was fantastic! and the character of people unsurpassed. I am in awe of the other artists and feel so fortunate to have met and heard them. With a festival of this nature, the tone gets set from the organizers, and in this case, David, Lyndie and Liz, your generous hosting made for a warm and productive weekend. My heartfelt thanks for your dedication in furthering music and musicians in our world.

Until next time,
Marianne Gedigian
p.s.
When I returned home I discovered a 5 inch spider on the side of my home. All that worry in Australia...
p.p.s.
Peter and Juniors - I love vegemite, thank you!'

'I, the non-musician who attended, thoroughly enjoyed the festival as many of the teaching techniques I was able to observe from masterclasses have universal applicability in diverse fields. I was astonished at how much I could apply to my own field very successfully'.
Sophia Allani (Institute of Business and Technology and the School of Management at UniSA).

'Everyone that I spoke to said that they had had a brilliant time and were looking forward to the next one. One thing that I personally took away with me was the wonderfully warm and inviting environment that prevailed at the festival.....due mostly I believe to the very nature of the organising committee.....you were great'!
Michael Waye

'Congratulations on such a successful Festival!! I thought it was a fantastic weekend full of so many great things. It has definitely given me a shot in the arm and new inspiration... I even felt the difference when I was teaching today'!!
Julia Grenfell

'I was so enthused to be able to participate in a masterclass with Marianne Gedigian. Her energy and exuberance overwhelmed me with great excitement and inspiration for my flute playing. As a performer, her amazing ability and stamina kept me thinking about my future and what I can aspire to'.
Daniel Sakoulas

It has been decided to hold the Festival every 2 years. Here is why-
SFF is fast becoming an International event. Since the Festival, we have had significant international artists contacting us, asking us if they can be guest artists at the next Festival.
Most international flute competitions happen every 3-5 years. Our prizes are on a par with these competitions.
Many people felt they are more likely to attend the Festival every second year than every year.
Tertiary students would benefit from a two year preparation period for competitions.

In summary, the committee worked continuously throughout the past year and many of the systems are now in place. However, as numbers and our international profile grow, we feel that a 2 year lead up period would ensure that we bring you inspiring, worldclass musicians both from within and outside Australia.

To those of you who told us you couldn't wait to be back next year - hang in there and make sure we have your current email address. We have started negotiations with various international artists and SFF 2009 will be well worth the wait.

DAVID CUBBIN MEMORIAL FUND
Grants are available to assist young Australian flautists attend a Flute Festival or Flute Event during 2008. Please send a letter requesting financial assistance to David Cubbin Memorial Fund, C/- Robert Brown, PO Box 3228, Norwood, SA 5067 by Tuesday, June 3. Please include your contact information - postal address, telephone number, e-mail address. Applicants are required to provide a supporting letter from their teacher.

Previous Events and Festivals

SFF Festival 2007 Sep 30 2007 to Oct 01 2007

Janet Webb Recital Aug 26 2007 to Aug 27 2007

Sydney Flute Festival 2006 Jul 14 2006 to Jul 17 2006