Music
Hunter Luostarinen
Congratulations to Hunter Luostarinen (Year 9) on his successful appointment to the Australian Youth Orchestra Young Symphonists, held at Snow Concert Hall in Canberra on 5 October 2024. Conducted by Carlo Antonioli, the concert brought together the rising stars of Australian orchestral music. This is an incredible achievement for Hunter, who is one of the youngest members of the Queensland Youth Symphony. By all reports, he had a fabulous time performing pieces such as Night on Bald Mountain by Mussorgsky arr. Rimsky-Korsakov.
Queensland Youth Orchestra finale
Congratulations to Hunter Luostarinen (Year 9), Luka Roberts (Year 11) and Alex Smith (Year 10), who all participated in the premiere Queensland Youth Orchestra Ensembles at QPAC on Saturday 26 October 2024. The Big Band performed an extended work by John Felstead titled ‘Amazonite,’ featuring some exciting Latin rhythms and solo performances from many Big Band members. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra concluded the evening with a tribute to QYO founder John Curro AM MBE, performing his favourite symphonic work, Pines of Rome by Respighi, featuring every trumpet and trombone player from all the ensembles in a memorable and engaging final piece.
Brass Workshop
A very exciting trumpet event is happening at Churchie on Sunday 3 November. We will hold a concert and masterclass in the Churchie Canon Jones Chapel from 2 to 4 pm. Visiting Churchie that weekend is Mr Yoram Levy, Head of Brass and Trumpet at the Australian National Academy of Music in Melbourne. Mr Levy is recognised worldwide as one of the leading trumpet teachers of our time and has performed with many of the world’s great symphony orchestras.
For anyone who wishes to attend the concert and masterclass as an audience member. This ticket costs $20 and can be purchased here:
The concert will feature Mr Levy, along with Churchie trumpet teachers performing exciting trumpet repertoire, accompanied by our virtuoso Mr Christian Gante on the chapel organ and piano.
All details are available in the attached flyer, including ticket links. The event is open to the general public, so please feel free to share the flyer with friends.
Henry Down – Bands Captain 2024
The final instalment from the 2024 Music Captains is a reflection by Bands Captain Henry Down on his time in Churchie Music:
Written by 2024 Bands Captain Henry Down
‘In 2024, I was in Big Band 1, Morris Wind Symphony, Percussion Ensemble 1 and the Musical Pit Orchestra. One of my best music memories this year would be Jazz Under the Stars with James Morrison and Darren Percival. The atmosphere and music were incredible, and it was a fantastic opportunity to perform with iconic musicians. The event grows each year, and I look forward to returning in the future. My all-time best music memory at Churchie was the 2023 Japan Music Tour. Along with the excitement of exploring a new country with friends, the opportunity to perform in a foreign setting was unforgettable. My advice to future Churchie musicians is to make the most of the wide range of opportunities the Music Department offers: the diversity of ensembles, frequent international tours, and a strong connection to other music development programmes. These exist to help you grow as a musician—what you put in is what you get out.’