I have spoken before about the benefits of taking up a musical instrument, especially as an adult, or even re-learning that instrument you learnt as a child.

Back in Australia, as a violist, I played with various orchestras around Sydney and just recently have been wondering how they getting along performance-wise. In particular a group of friends who make up the Bourbaki Ensemble in Sydney. I was lucky to be asked to be one of the founding members of this great outfit of musicians whose purpose is to bring innovative music to Australian audiences under the baton of David Angell. I first met David while playing with the Ku-Ring-Gai Philharmonic Orchestra when he had this idea to put together an outfit on which he could hone his conductorial skills as well as explore the ‘unexplored’ in musical repertoire.  That first performance of the Bourbaki was back in 2001 and its fantastic that they are still going strong. What sets their performances apart is the touch of ‘rebel’ in both the music and musicians.

Our very first performance was at St Stephans Church in Newtown, Sydney and a baptism of fire it certainly was. David puts together for each concert an inspiring programme of new works plus pieces that are rarely played in public. It’s great to mix these works with the ‘old one’s’ and their concerts are always an experience for the music lover.

Another orchestra I played with was the Central Coast Symphony under the baton of Christopher Bearman. The Central Coast Conservatorium has come along way since its inception in the early 80′s and, under the musical direction of Chris and a staff of the most experienced professional musicians, it is now a major centre of musical learning in NSW. I studied there, played in the ensembles and had  a fantastic time. The orchestra now performs works from the full sphere of music and features international and national musicians and soloists.