Music and Tea at 11am is a new series of concerts by emerging artists at Wollongong Art Gallery, writes Felicity Woodhill, founder of Inspire Music Australia
A new series of concerts will be launched on 4 August at Wollongong Art Gallery (WAG). These concerts will nurture the next generation of musicians through increased performance opportunities and share the gift of music by providing concerts that are accessible to all.
The first concert presents a program of Spanish piano music by Annie Ma, a recent graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. The concert will be hosted by classical guitarist and music therapist Ann Lehmann-Kuit. Afterwards, the gallery will provide tea and biscuits for all.
I asked Annie Ma about her passion for performance and Spanish music.
What inspired you to pursue a performance career?
I am passionate about sharing music with others, it gives me joy when my music can enrich people’s lives. We are very lucky as pianists that the repertoire is endless; I feel there is so much that can be offered to audiences and for them to share in the discovery and excitement of the music with us.
How evocative of Spanish culture will your program be?
The program will feature three prominent Spanish composers, namely Granados, Albeniz and de Falla. Granados has a very romanticised style of writing which is infused with Spanish sentiment. This can be clearly heard, for example, in his allusions to the guitar, the use of typical turns and ornamentations. This will introduce the audience to the Spanish sound world.
The Albeniz and the de Falla are more vibrant and overt in their evocations of song, dance and flamenco.
Even though some of the program derives substantially from very specific idioms of Spanish culture, familiarity is not essential for audience to feel they can engage with the music.
Their exuberance and flair are qualities that are captivating.
What has drawn you to perform in the Emerging Artists?
The Emerging Artists Concert Series is a wonderful platform for artists. The sharing aspect is crucial to the art of music-making and that is only made possible if there are people and a concert space to play.
Personally, every performance is an invaluable and treasured opportunity because it is never a given. I am dedicated in giving the gift of music to others.
Performing a particular program multiple times inspires flexibility and spontaneity. Every audience, concert setting, even the time or specific place can stimulate a different kind of energy for the performer to bounce off.
Do you think music is a valuable way to connect people in communities?
Music is universal and is quite unlike anything else in its ability to unite people. Concerts bring people together, to be in the warm presence of one another and share in the buzz of the experience.
Music expresses life, allowing us to emotionally relate to one another and gain insights into the cultures of others. It is a sobering reminder of how connected we all are.
Music and Tea at 11am, Wollongong Art Gallery on 4 Aug, 8 Sept, 6 Oct, 3 Nov, 8 Dec. Entry free, donations for the performers appreciated. Book tickets here or contact inspiremusicaust@gmail.com