Wollongong’s inspiring young double bass player and composer Adrian Whitehall is making his mark on the Australian classical music scene.
Adrian launches the ‘Music and Tea at the Gallery’ Emerging Artist Concert Series in 2024.
A passion ignited by Richard Tognetti and the ACO
Adrian’s journey with music took off after an inspirational encounter with the Australian Chamber Orchestra at Anita’s Theatre in Thirroul. Adrian – then aged 10 and already a fan of Australian violinist Richard Tognetti, having drawn his portrait for a school assignment – convinced his parents to take him to the concert.
“I experienced the magic of the ACO that night,” he says. “I knew that I wanted to be a musician and especially to be a part of a creative orchestra that really thinks outside the box, making amazing music.”
During the interval, Adrian asked an orchestra member if they would give Richard the portrait he had drawn. They did more than that; Adrian was taken backstage to present the work himself.
Last year, Adrian won a coveted Emerging Artist position with the ACO. During high school, he won the ACO composition award for school students – his work, Lands Upon Lands, was recorded by members of the ACO.
Growth through rich musical traditions
From foundational education through the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music and Sydney Conservatorium’s Rising Stars program to his acceptance into the Sydney and Australian Youth Orchestras, Adrian has taken every opportunity to connect and grow with his contemporaries and learn from his mentors.
In 2019, Adrian completed his Bachelor of Music (Performance) and, in 2022, a Master of Music Studies (Performance) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, studying under Kees Boersma. In 2023, Adrian was accepted into the prestigious Australian National Academy of Music under Damien Eckersley.
Adrian has performed with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian World Orchestra Chamber Ensemble, and is due to commence a contract with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.
Hear Adrian live at Music and Tea at the Gallery at 11am on Thursday, February 8. Book a spot
