Members of the Bundaberg Youth Orchestra will add another string to their bow when they take to the stage for a special guest performance alongside the ACO Collective in their upcoming Ecstatic Dances show.
The Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) Collective is the ACO’s critically acclaimed string ensemble which brings ACO musicians together with the country’s most talented young professional string players.
Their Ecstatic Dances performance will see the orchestra showcase a tapestry of dance music from across the ages, led by renowned British violinist Matthew Truscott.
Bundaberg Youth Orchestra Assistant Conductor Delwyn Ainsworth said it was an incredible opportunity for their members to perform alongside such accomplished professional musicians.
“We have been very lucky over the years with the calibre of the musicians we have been able to collaborate with, from Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) to Camerata – Queensland's Chamber Orchestra, and we can't wait to work with the ACO Collective,” Delwyn said.
“Our string players in particular will benefit from the workshop, and getting the chance to perform alongside them not only gives us great incentive to work hard in rehearsals, but lifts our performance standards to new heights also.
“The chance to play with a world class chamber ensemble in a regional area is amazing, our members also don't often get the opportunity to see musicians of this calibre perform live, so attending the concert as well as performing is really exciting.”
ACO Head of Communications Caitlin Benetatos said the orchestra was looking forward to returning to Bundaberg for the first time since 2019.
“Audiences can expect to be astounded by the extraordinary level of skill of these dedicated young musicians, performing alongside their ACO mentors and Emerging Artist Program alumni colleagues,” Caitlin said.
“The precision, vitality, and infectious joy of these young musicians cannot be overstated.”
Caitlin said that the Ecstatic Dances performance would feature an exciting array of dance-inspired music showcasing the vitality and virtuosity of the ensemble.
“From elegant English Baroque dances, through to colourful ballet music of Stravinsky and raucous energy of lauded Australian composers Ross Edwards and Holly Harrison,” she said.
“Audiences are in for a real treat to hear British violinist Matthew Truscott – concertmaster of two of Europe’s most esteemed ensembles, Mahler Chamber Orchestra and Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment – lead the ACO Collective with his wealth of experience and performing on his rare 1723 Stradivarius violin.”
ACO Collective: Ecstatic Dances
Where: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
When: Wednesday 13 September, 7.30 pm
Cost: $39 (adult), $35 (concession), $20 (child U20)
Book your tickets to ACO Collective: Ecstatic Dances here.
