By Felicity Woodhill, the founder of Inspire Music Australia and the free monthly Music and Tea at the Gallery concert series for emerging artists
"Such an awesome morning to be a part of; the children being inspired by the music just adds to the magic." – Melanie Sutherton
Improvising '…a celebration of being in the moment!' – Dr Noam Sivan
Michael du Huy created a memorable moment with his encore at last month's concert. Turning to our regular young attendees from Planet Child Care, he requested a song upon which to improvise. A very small child walked on stage and whispered; it was perhaps the biggest audience he had ever stood before. His choice, You Are My Sunshine!
Michael's commitment to participation in choirs, as part of his training, shone through when he led the audience in singing You Are My Sunshine. From the singing, he launched into a magnificent improvisation based on the theme, traversing classical and jazz genres, with the audience joining the performance with rhythmic clapping of the theme.
It was a fantastic end to a concert that opened with local singer Veronique de Havilland, whose warm, resonant voice captivated the audience.
Classical Musicians Rekindling the Art of Improvisation
Improvisation is most often associated with jazz, but historically it was a natural skill for all musicians.
During the Renaissance and Classical periods, improvisation remained a stamp of accomplished musicians. However, during the 19th and 20th centuries, the skill began disappearing among classical performers, associated perhaps with the increasing volume and complexity of classical music and the pursuit of ever-rising standards of technical facility.
The 21st century has seen a renewed interest in improvisation and composition by classical performers.
Sivan reasons that as a communicative language, improvisation is a natural and fundamental part of learning music as it allows for freedom of thought and dialogue and the spontaneity to respond in the moment.
Our program actively encourages young performers to compose and improvise for their own creative development and to help create an inspiring and unique performance.
October 5's concert is titled Figures of Love
