Past Newsletters
Looking to the Future
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.
What a Festival it was!
by lyndie on Oct 09 2007
What a Festival it was! Three days of the very best! Thank you to all the artists and the awesome work of the accompanists for making this Festival such a huge success.
Thank you to everyone who has sent us emails - we appreciate your feedback. Here is what people are saying:
'.....heartiest congratulations on a superbly run festival. I told Marianne that her performance of the Franck was absolutely the best I had ever heard and Michael's encore, the 2nd movement of the B Minor Sonata (JSB) was so utterly sublime it will stay with me for ever. Great fun also to work with Virginia and Vernon. Alexa's soft top notes and mellow Bach with her wooden headjoint were to die for. I also loved her Zoom Tube.'
Alan Hardy
'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 attended the flute festival over the long weekend and it was awesome. I must say you did an excellent job putting on the festival, I cant wait until next year'.
Andrew Gilholme
'Sydney Flute Festival was absolutely amazing! I never learnt so much about the Flute and repertoire, and techniques in such a short amount of time! It was thoroughly enjoyable, each and every minute of it! I hope to come again next year'!
Aaron Rothemund
'Thank you David for your vision, work and financial support in believing in the need for a Festival of this kind for the flute community.
Thank you Liz for your untiring enthusiasm and artistic excellence in choosing and coordinating the Festival.
Thank you Lyndie for all your hard work behind the scenes and upfront.
Thank you all 3 for your smiles and friendship throughout'.
Virginia and Vernon
'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 to the winners of each section:
Open Flute Antares Boyle, (Winner of a custom made Verne Q Powell flute valued at $19,950)
Open Piccolo Kristine Healy (Winner of a Verne Q Powell Signature piccolo valued at $5,250)
Young Artist Stephanie Vici (Winner of a handmade solid silver Pearl flute model 8800RBE valued at $9,950)
Flute Ensemble Cordelia Quartet (Winner of a Pearl alto flute valued at $2,895)
Flute Choir Melbourne Uni Flute Ensemble (Winner of a Pearl alto flute valued at $2,895)
The website will be continuously updated - this year's photos will be posted on the website soon. Please contact me if you would like to order any photos lyndie@leviston.net
Lastly, thank you to everyone who attended. To those of you who came from abroad - we hope you had a great time and that you will visit our country again in the future.
Fabulous Competition Giveaway Bonus worth $5,279.00!!
by David on Sep 14 2007
By registering to attend Sydney Flute Festival as a paid Full Attendee (either Adult or Student/Pensioner) you will qualify to win the following GREAT prize made up of all of the following:
1. Imagine the benefit of a critique of your playing by thirteen of Australia and the world's finest flute players and teachers. The winner will have the opportunity to send a CD of their playing to each of the following flautists (up to 20 minutes) and will receive a critique of that performance. The combined value of this unique package alone is worth more than $1995. Many thanks to the generosity of Marianne Gedigian, Michael Cox, Alexa Still, Virginia Taylor, Vernon Hill, Alan Hardy, Elizabeth Koch, Jane Rutter, Michael Waye, Mia Dreese, Melissa Doecke, Julia Grenfell and David Leviston who are each supplying this critique.
2. Copies of CD's by Jane Rutter, autographed by Jane herself valued at $150.
3. The complete 5 volumes of 'Teacher on Tap' books for Flute valued at $150.
4. One each of the revolutionary 'Thumbports' which so many leading flautists such as Emily Beynon use full time now. Valued at $120. (Available at Flute Fidelity and Flute Tree).
5. A FREE flute service at Flute Fidelity valued at $300.
6. A credit voucher to the value of $100 supplied by Flute Tree.
7. $2,000 (yes that is $2,000) credit towards the purchase of any flute valued at $7,000 or more from Flute Fidelity.
8. A free place at Sydney Flute Festival 2008 (yes we are doing it again) valued at $345.
9. A FREE CD of images of Sydney Flute Festival 2007 (taken by the Sydney Flute Festival photographer) valued at $119.
TOTAL VALUE = $5,279.00
Simply by attending as a Full Festival Attendee Adult or Student/Pensioner you qualify automatically for this amazing and invaluable package.
We know this is going to be one of the best flute events held so don’t miss the festival and this chance to win such a fabulous prize. See Terms and Conditions below.
Terms and Conditions
The Promoter for this competition is Sydney Flute Festival, of 47 Hume Street, Crows Nest, NSW 2065, ABN 25 583 189 305
1. The NSW Department of the Arts, Sport and Recreation has issued NSW Permit Number LTPS/07/25845.
2. Entry is automatic for any fully paid Adult or Student/Pensioner registration for the whole three day event.
3. All entrants must be 14 years of age or more.
4. Existing Registrants can upgrade to Full Attendance provided they do so by 6pm of Sunday September 30th.
5. The winning entry will be drawn by the Promoter at the Closing Concert of the event on October 1st, 2007. The Promoters decision is final and no further correspondence will be entered into.
6. Winning entrant chosen in the Draw will be required to answer Question of Skill otherwise another draw will be made.
7.All parts of the prize package must be taken up by October 31st, 2007.
8. The prize can be assigned to another nominated person approved by the Promoter.
9. The prize cannot be redeemed in cash.
10. Employees of the Promoter and their immediate families and the employees of the Promoter’s related entities, retailers and suppliers associated with this promotion are ineligible to enter.
11. The Promoter, in its absolute discretion, can at any time and for any reason refuse any registration, disqualify entrants from the competition or discontinue the competition by posting a notice to that effect on the website www.sydneyflutefestival.com.au.
Calling all Junior Flautists
by Peter on Sep 09 2007
Spring has sprung which means the Junior Day of the Sydney Flute Festival is almost on our doorstep. With so many young players already registered where else could you possible dream of being on Saturday September 29th????
Don't miss out on being a part of the action. Learn bucket loads about playing your shiny silver pipe and be a part of the opening and closing concerts. Share Pavlova with international superstar flute players especially organised by our own expert Sydney Coles shopper!
It's not to late to become a part of the spectacular action. Check out the website at sydneyflutefestival.com.au for all the details.
If you've already registered for the junior program make sure you have downloaded, filled out and sent in the health form. I'll be sending out a letter in the next few weeks telling you a bit more about the festival. In the meantime if you have any questions you can email me Peter Bartels or call me on 0417 381 813
It's a winner
by lyndie on Aug 29 2007
It's looking like this year's Festival is going to be a real winner! We had 75 entries for the Competitions and 61 Masterclass applications! Attendance registration is well into the 200's!
Congratulations to the following people who have been selected to go through to the Competition finals:
Open Flute Competition
Krzysztof Kaczka
Lina Andonovska
Antares Boyle
Adrian Failla
Ewa Motyka
Open Piccolo Competition
Lina Andonovska
Kristine Healy
Kate Rockstrom
Georgia Lane
Young Artist Competition
Helen Seppelt
Gavin Zev
Leah Channon
Lucy May
Stephanie Vici
Ensemble Competition
alito d' argento
Canberra Fluties
Cordelia Quartet
Suite Flutes
Flute Choir Competition
Melbourne University Flute Ensemble
Neun Floten
If you are unable to attend the entire Festival, but would like to attend a particular event, you can now do so. You can register online Registration for the following:
Opening Concert
Gala Concert
Closing Concert
Michael Cox Recital
Marianne Gedigian Recital
Alexa Still Recital
You can pay at the door for all other recitals and masterclasses (eftpos, credit card or cash).
The final programme, with all the repertoire is now up on the website.
There will be an official photographer at the Festival again this year. If you are looking for a great promo shot, take advantage of this opportunity. You will also be able to order any masterclass, recital or general Festival photos.
I got the following email from Peter Bartels today
Calling All Junior Players!
The Sydney Flute Festival Junior Day is going to be crammed totally full of fun and information so don't miss out. You need to be quick if you want to catch the Early Bird Registration deadline.
During the Junior Day, on Saturday September 29th, I'll tell you about my motto Air is Sound and Sound is Air. We'll also have a look at some fun ways to get Feverishly frenetic, fabulously fantastic Fingers as well as advice on using Lips, Straws and how to get the Best Sound on the Planet. There's Pavlova with the international guests, we'll be looking at Rods Pads Springs and Things and of course the top secret involvement in the Opening Concert.
On the second and third days we'll be helped out by some of my University flute playing friends from Melbourne as The World's Greatest Flute Ensemble (that's you!) rehearses for the Closing Concert. As if that wasn't enough we'll also be going on a Treasure Hunt Through The Trade Stalls.
You can get more information about the Junior Day on the website sydneyflutefestival or send me an email Peter Bartels
Juniors, you need to download the Health Form at the bottom of the Programme page and post it to:
Sydney Flute Festival
47 Hume Street
Crows Nest
NSW
2065
We have organised a caterer to provide lunches each day from the bar inside the Con. Flora, from the STARBAR in Crows Nest will sell her delicious Turkish sandwiches at very reasonable prices. The menu with prices is now up on the website.
Last minute accommodation can be found on www.wotif.com. These guys offer bookings 28 days in advance, so get cheaper rates from hotels trying to sell rooms that look like they might stay empty if they leave them at the full rate.
Any problems - give me a call 0424 504 104 or send me an email lyndie@leviston.net
See you all in 2 weeks!
Countdown
Countdown by elizabeth koch on Aug 02 2007
It's definitely countdown time with only 7 weeks to go to the Festival!!
Please note that registration for Competitions and Masterclasses is now closed.
Finalists will be notified by Friday August 31 2007.
Good luck to all those who are taking part in the competitions!
Interest in all events of the Festival, including the competitions and masterclasses has been very strong, so I encourage you all to register as soon as you can.
Lyndie Mostert, David Leviston, Peter Bartels and I have put together a program that you will find interesting, educational and fun. The repertoire that has been programmed throughout the Festival has a fantastic mix of traditional and new, for flute, piccolo, alto and bass flute. We will be in for some amazing performances from all artists and of course the series of French pieces at 2pm each day will be of interest to all players.
Peter Bartels' Junior Day looks very popular and whilst I can't say much about the junior participants' role in the Opening Concert (it is secret!), I think it will be enormous fun to be taking part. If you would like Junior Day brochures to hand out to your students, please contact Lyndie lyndie@leviston.net and she will post them to you.
Juniors need to download the health form at the bottom of the Programme page and post it to the above address.
For teachers, there are several sessions on flute pedagogy including Vernon Hill's two workshops on 'How to play brilliantly without really trying' and 'Bring the music alive, easily and naturally', and Alan Hardy's 'Colour, dynamics and intonation through melody - in the steps of Marcel Moyse'. I will demonstrate some unknown but interesting short works from the flute repertoire and will talk about embouchure in a workshop situation. So if you are an experienced teacher or you are just starting out, these sessions will be most helpful for your professional development.
We have organised a caterer to provide lunches each day from the bar inside the Con. Flora, from the STARBAR in Crows Nest will make her delicious Turkish toasted sandwiches at a very reasonable cost. A menu with prices will soon be up on the website.
Last minute accommodation can be found on www.wotif.com These guys offer bookings 28 days in advance, so get cheaper rates from hotels trying to sell rooms that look like they might stay empty if they leave them at the full rate.
EARLYBIRD REGISTRATION CLOSES FRIDAY AUGUST 31
Please contact the committee if you have any questions.
All the best and see you in Sydney!
Elizabeth Koch OAM
Artistic Director
elizabeth.koch@adelaide.edu.au
Coordinator
Lyndie Mostert
lyndie@leviston.net
0424 504 104
Sydney Flute Festival Newsletter - June 2007
EARLYBIRD REGISTRATION CLOSES FRIDAY, AUGUST 31 by Elizabeth Koch on Jun 22 2007
I received this postcard from Marianne Gedigian recently - 'Just sending you energy, energy, energy for your current festival and all the work you are doing'. I spoke to Marianne at the University of Texas, only a few weeks ago and she sounds amazingly energetic, just like her postcard!
It has been exciting to see the large number of flautists who have already registered for the Sydney Flute Festival. The program is being refined on a daily basis and is on this website for you to study and to decide which sessions you wish to attend.
I am pleased to say that there will be a diverse selection of repertoire being played during the festival from solo bass flute works to chamber music with oboe, contemporary and traditional repertoire and hopefully a premiere or two! Selected SFF guests have each claimed ownership of one of the pieces from the 'Flute Music by French Composers' book and this album will be performed in it's entirety in a series of three concerts called 'Bon Appetit! A Feast of French Music.'
Recently, I travelled to Brisbane and Melbourne, and had a great time meeting with some wonderful flautists from those cities. The Sydney Flute Festival seems to be on everyone's lips with students preparing for the competitions and ensembles and groups preparing their competition repertoire. The prizes for these competitions are fantastic so it's not too late to think about entering!
To highlight a couple of interesting sessions, I would like to mention 'Colour, Dynamics and Intonation Through Melody - in the Steps of Marcel Moyse' to be presented by Alan Hardy and the workshops with Vernon Hill called 'Bring the music alive, easily and naturally. Make it appear easy' and 'How to play brilliantly without really trying'! I will definitely be attending that session to hear some good tips!
Peter Bartels is working some magic with his Junior Program for Saturday September 29th. It looks like a really fun and interesting day with additional events on the other two days of the festival and some concerts performances as well.
Remember, the EARLYBIRD RATE closes on FRIDAY, AUGUST 31.
Please email us if you have any questions - it has been great to hear from flautists all over the country and also from other parts of the world where the news has spread about our Sydney Flute Festival for 2007.
Artistic Director
Elizabeth Koch OAM
elizabeth.koch@adelaide.edu.au
Coordinator
Lyndie Mostert
lyndie@leviston.net
Sydney Flute Festival update
by Elizabeth Koch on May 09 2007
In the past few months the committee has been actively working to bring the SFF 2007 program together to present to you in late September. It has been a great privilege for me to liaise with the international and australian guests. I have found everyone to be so enthusiastic, supportive and eager to offer suggestions for recitals and masterclasses. Speaking with each guest and discussing repertoire, masterclasses and workshops has highlighted their generosity, their educational philosophies and their passion for sharing flute playing and methodologies with all of us flute players. Marianne Gedigian will devote one class to the Prokofiev Sonata, an orchestral class with a difference will be directed by Michael Cox, and pedagogy classes with Vernon Hill and Alan Hardy will be treasure chests of information for teachers and students alike. This is just a taste of what is included in the program!
I am meeting with Peter Bartels this weekend in Melbourne to add the finishing touches to what already looks like an exciting and adventurous junior program. By the look of the registrations, the program is appealing to many younger players so I encourage you to make the most of the Supersaver Registration (1 April - 30 June).
Carolyn Bounds is organising some great repertoire for you to perform in the SFF Flute Orchestra that will meet every day and perform at the Closing Concert. Dust off the piccolo, alto and bass flute for this occasion if you have one!
Check out the two new competitions in addition to the Flute, Flute Choir and Flute Ensemble. These are the Piccolo and the Young Artist (18 and under). All details for the competitions are on the web and we would love to hear you play so give it a go!
I will be in touch again soon with updates but visit the website regularly as there will be 'postcards' from our international guests Marianne Gedigian, Alexa Still and Michael Cox!
Just a reminder - the SUPERSAVER REGISTRATION is from now until June 30th.
Please don't hesitate to email either Lyndie Mosert (lyndie@leviston.net) or Elizabeth Koch (elizabeth.koch@adelaide.edu.au) with any questions. Printed brochures are now available so email if you would like any sent.
All the best,
Elizabeth Koch OAM
Artistic Director
Supersaver registration for the Sydney Flute Festival is now open!
Paul Edmund-Davies Australian Tour 2007 by lyndie on Mar 20 2007
Over 1000 students and teachers attended Paul Edmund-Davies masterclasses, recitals, teacher's forum and junior event around the country in March.
Attending the recital in Sydney, I was again made aware of how fortunate we are to have a musician of this calibre visiting Australia. It soon became apparent why Paul held the position of Principal Flutist with the London Symphony Orchestra for 20 years and why he continues to be in demand as a teacher all over the world.
Paul's enthusiasm for the flute is infectious - this, combined with a wonderful sense of humour enables him to reach students across a wide range of ages and ability. Here is what some people said:
"Thank you for a highly successful visit from Paul Edmund-Davies. Paul was one of the gang whether student, teacher or performer. My year 4 Scotch Boys were enthused. The teacher's forum covered a range of topics in effective detail. Congratulations also to Anne Rose for her cheerful organisation of Paul's Melbourne visit". Barbara Johnston
"Just to say thank you and let you know how much we enjoyed Paul's workshop and recital. What an amazing guy - humourous and extremely talented. We thoroughly enjoyed his performance". Anne Polden
"Eliza (student), Genevieve (teacher) and I (parent) attended the Melbourne events and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Paul is a wonderfully talented flautist and his accompanist Jamie Cock was amazing. Paul both entertained and informed his audience at all levels of knowledge and his repertoire was both challenging and accessible. We all left the recital exhilarated and exhausted after the Prokofiev work and the two encores.
Anne and her team at the venue were also marvellous".
Monique Shephard.
If you are in London and would like to have a lesson with Paul, you can contact him on +44 20 8248 1527 or email him at PEdmund_Davies@compuserve.com
Registration for the Festival 2007 is now open. Visit the Registration Page and check out the Supersaver prices!
We will be holding piccolo, open flute, young artist and ensemble competitions. Details about competition repertoire is now on the website. Artists and information about the programme are being posted daily, so be sure to visit the website regularly.
Sydney Flute Festival Newsletter
Paul Edmund-Davies Australian Tour 2007 by lyndie on Mar 01 2007
Dear Flutists, Flautists, Parents, Teachers and Lovers of Flute Playing
It is with great excitement that I write this newsletter, the night before Paul Edmund-Davies arrives in Australia.
The 3 new Flute Fusions books - breakaway music - that Paul has been working on have already arrived. Paul will be using these books in the junior event. They are packed with new concepts and have a commentary by Paul, before each piece. I have had a sneak preview of the powerpoint presentation that Paul will be using in conjunction with these books. There are sonority exercises, articulation and double tonguing exercises and even a digit buster!! He has also included some favourites like Memories and The Swan. There will be plenty of hands-on playing at this event. Paul is held in such high regard that many teachers are making attendance to all of his classes compulsory!
You will be able to view the Flute Fusions series at the events and order forms will be available to order these and other of Paul's music and CD's.
All 30 masterclass participants have been selected around the country. It is encouraging to see talented young students taking the opportunity to play for Paul and learn from his wealth of knowledge and experience.
I have received emails with requests for the Teacher's Forum. The idea of this class is to bring your questions to the class, where you will be able discuss different approaches with Paul and other teachers. Some of the topics that have been put forward are correct breathing techniques, developing good breath control and tone in young beginner students. You can be sure he will have fun breathing exercises for young students to practice.
For those of you who have already registered online, you should have received a receipt by email. We will not be issuing tickets for Paul's events. Your name will be ticked off a list at the event.
If you haven't registered yet, registration can be done the following ways:
online now
print a registration form from this website and post it to 47 Hume Street, Crows Nest, NSW, 2065
fax (02) 9438 1063
phone 0424 504 104 or 0418 477 204
Lastly, our brand new baby grand piano has arrived in the shop! We are planning regular masterclasses, workshops and concerts throughout the year.
We look forward to seeing you sometime in the next two weeks.
The Sydney Flute Festival Team
Sydney Flute Festival Newsletter- January 2007
A BRAND NEW YEAR by lyndie on Jan 23 2007
The year has started with a buzz. As I write, our offices are being shifted around and additional rooms are being built. The new space will allow Sydney Flute Festival and Flute Fidelity to host concerts and masterclasses on a regular basis. We will be launching our new look premises in the next few weeks. There will be plenty of surprises and exciting offers, so watch this space!!!
In March, world renowned, internationally acclaimed flutist, Paul Edmund-Davies will return to each capital city. Paul will give a recital, masterclasses and introduce his latest play-a-long publication “Flute Fusions” at the junior event. We have included a teacher’s forum, which will be a question and answer session, allowing topics to evolve. Apart from being a fabulous flutist, Paul is a great entertainer, interspersing his classes with anecdotes from his time spent in the London Symphony Orchestra and his world travels.
REGISTER NOW and download a free MP4 of Paul Edmund-Davies performing the Dutilleux Sonatine.
What you can expect
• World class flute playing
• Draw from Paul’s wealth of teaching and orchestral experience
• Hear local, up-and-coming flutists perform in masterclasses
• An opportunity for beginner and intermediate flutists to have fun while learning, with their flutes.
BONUS
Flute Fidelity is offering a FREE place, from now until March 17, 2007, to anyone purchasing a flute from Flute Fidelity. To take advantage of this offer, contact David Leviston on (02) 9467 4900
EXCITING NEWS
ABC FM is broadcasting the 2006 Sydney Flute Festival Gala Concert on Wed 24 January at 1pm on ABC Classic FM. Tune in to hear Emily Beynon and Felix Renggli. A real treat!
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any enquiries
w (02) 9467 4900
e lyndie@leviston.net
m 0424 504 104
Sydney Flute Festival Newsletter - December 2006
Merry Christmas from Sydney Flute Festival by Elizabeth Koch OAM on Dec 15 2006
Welcome to the beautiful new website of the Sydney Flute Festival. As you will see, we have invited two fantastic international guests in Michael Cox and Marianne Gedigian. Whilst I have not heard Marianne ‘live’, I have wonderful accounts of her playing at the recent NFA Convention in Pittsburg 2006. In 2005 Michael Cox gave a most memorable day’s classes at the Royal Academy of Music, London, for some of my University students. The day concluded with Michael and accompanist Leigh Harrold presenting a stunning recital for us. To hear both of these artists will be something not to be missed by flute players of all levels.
I am also delighted to have as a guest artist Alexa Still who has an amazing reputation both as an international artist and an organiser of major events such as the Las Vegas NFA Convention and the 2006 Sydney Flute Festival. There will also be many Australian artists, and lots of new faces including young players at the start of the their career.
One of my priorities for the 2007 festival will be to ensure that there are playing opportunities for all participants. For example the Junior program will be directed by Peter Bartels from Melbourne. Peter has a reputation for inspiring young players and providing new and innovative ideas. There will be more to report from Peter in the New Year, however be assured that the junior program will be fun and full of surprises!
There will be flute ensemble activities for any player who wishes to play their flute at the festival!
For the aspiring orchestral players there will be classes on excerpts with the opportunity to play in a section with Michael Cox for instance. If you are a tertiary student or a player who is focussing on winning an orchestral job, these classes will be a must. There will also be opportunities for panel discussion on audition preparation.
I am presently securing all the masterclasses and organising the competitions. In 2007 there will also be a Piccolo Competition!
In the New Year there will be more details for you to see on the website. In the meantime I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year and happy practising for the Sydney Flute Festival 2007!
All the best,
Elizabeth Koch OAM
Sydney Flute Festival Newsletter - November 2006
by lyndie on Nov 15 2006
Dear Flute lover
It's been almost 4 months since the Sydney Flute Festival. In that time, we have been hard at work plotting and planning next year's Festival.
Thank you for your response to our survey about the best time to hold the Festival. We had an overwhelming response for the Festival to be held annually, in July. Unfortunately, this is not possible for 2007, but we are working hard to secure a July date for the future.
Sydney Flute Festival 2007 will be held at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, from Saturday, September 29 - Monday, October 1, 2007. We are delighted that Elizabeth Koch has accepted the position of Artistic Director. Elizabeth is the Head of Woodwind Studies at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide. She brings a wealth of experience as performer, having performed as soloist with several Australian orchestras, and finely tuned organisational skills, having toured the UK and Paris with her students, organising masterclasses with the likes of Michael Cox, Susan Milan, Paul Edmund-Davies and Felix Renggli. She will run State Music Camp for the ninth time next year!
Flutist Marianne Gedigian, Associate Professor of Flute at the University of Texas at Austin, will be one of our international artists at the 2007 Festival. Marianne was invited to perform at this year's NFA convention in Pittsburgh. We heard her perform the Khachaturian Concerto on her platinum Powell flute and were so impressed, that we immediately approached her about attending our Festival. Her command of the instrument is something to behold! She was able to project and soar above the large orchestra, even in the lowest register, delivering one of the most faultless, proficient, musical performances I have yet experienced. She is definitely not to be missed!
It is with great excitement that we are able to inform you that Michael Cox will be the other international guest at SFF 2007. Michael has played with all of England's major orchestras and now juggles the principal positions in four orchestras - the B.B.C. Symphony Orchestra, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, the London Mozart Players, and the Britten Sinfonia. Michael Cox also performs in the Albion Quintet and Haffner Winds, as well as in regular recitals and concerts throughout Europe. He teaches at the Royal Academy of Music and is a consultant at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.
It is also our pleasure to announce, as a result of numerous requests, that Paul Edmund-Davies will be touring Australia again in March 2007. He will give recitals, masterclasses, teacher forums and a junior event in Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney. Please visit our website for details. We have an online booking facility, with a free video download - Paul recently performed in some of the best acoustic recital halls in Osaka, Japan and you can download Paul playing the Dutilleux Sonatine when you register online, for any of his events.
Our website sydneyflutefestival.com.au has had a facelift. Please visit it and let us know what does and doesn't work for you. We would also appreciate your suggestions and ideas for future Festivals. Your feedback is vitally important.
