Principal Viola of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, and ANAM alum, Stefanie Farrands (2008, viola) will join the ANAM Orchestra as soloist, conducted by Brett Dean. We chatted to Stefanie about her upcoming performance, and her long-standing artistic relationship with Brett, who was Artistic Director during Stefanie’s time at ANAM.
“It’s hard to articulate the importance of Brett Dean as a musical figure in my life. He’s a force!” says Stefanie. “I’ve always found myself drawing inspiration from him and coming back to him like a moth to a flame. He’s such a humble, curious, and multi-faceted musician and I’m always incredibly touched to have the opportunity to collaborate with him.”
Stefanie Farrands and Brett Dean.
After completing her time at ANAM, Stefanie continued her musical training in Berlin, thanks to Brett’s recommendation, with Tabea Zimmermann. Not long after moving to Berlin, Stefanie returned to give the Australian premiere of Olga Neuwirth’s Viola Concerto Remnants of songs…an Amphigory with Brett Dean conducting the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra augmented by ANAM musicians. “Experiencing that piece beside Brett was one of the most transformative experiences of my life,” reflects Stefanie.
Stefanie has also championed Brett’s own works, performing several during her time at the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (where she was previously Principal Viola), and in her current role at the ACO. “I always look forward to the challenge of playing Brett’s works, and seeing where his next inspiration comes from. He has done so much for viola players, both as a violist himself as well as a composer.”
This August, Stefanie will perform Berlioz’s Harold in Italy with the ANAM Orchestra, her first time performing this work as the soloist. “I have journeyed through Harold in Italy from within the orchestra quite a few times, but this will be my first as ‘Harold’.” Curiously, when Stefanie had just commenced playing the viola having swapped from the violin in her teens, she performed Harold in Italy in the Melbourne Youth Orchestra with none other than Brett Dean as soloist. “It’s strange how things happen in life!” Stefanie remarks.
In preparation for her performance, she is currently reading Berlioz’s memoirs. “I’m absolutely captivated by Berlioz’s thoughts, opinions and passion. It has given me an amazing insight into his mind and greatly impacted my approach towards interpreting this work.” She highly recommends Berlioz’s memoirs for those interested in history, music and humanity, and has enjoyed adding this layer of context. “I also love the unique role the viola plays in this monumental work. It demonstrates the versatility of the instrument, and I’d like my performance to reflect Berlioz’s unique and quirky character.”
ANAM ORCHESTRA WITH BRETT DEAN and STEFANIE FARRANDS
Saturday 24 August 7pm
B DEAN Music of Memory - Australian Premiere
B DEAN Imaginary Ballet
BERLIOZ Harold in Italy
Brett Dean director/viola
Stefanie Farrands viola
ANAM Musicians
Venue Rosina Auditorium, Abbotsford Convent
Tickets from $30
Words by Laura Panther.
First published as part of volume 52 of Music Makers.