In the lead up to the end of year chamber music festival Sounds of Australia, ANAM musician, double bassist Oakley Paul reflects on the experience of preparing for the performance of Kate Tempany’s new commission, Wimmera-Mallee. The piece is a collaboration of Hindustani and Western classical music traditions, with Adrian McNeil on the Sarod and a string quintet of ANAM musicians composed of a double bass, a viola, cello and two violins.
The Sounds of Australia Chamber Music Festival from November 28-30 is the culmination of ANAM musicians’ yearlong learning and an exploration of music that reflects this land and its ongoing cultural legacies in the form of collaboration, fusion and new commissions.
Collaboration is important in art, says Oakley.
“It’s important that we as Western art trained musicians make a conscious effort to immerse ourselves in other cultures. It’s not only helpful for us as musicians, but it also introduces audiences to a whole different world they may not have experienced previously,” he shares.
Oakley believes that ANAM’s proposal to initiate a collaboration with Kate Tempany and Adrian McNeil over the whole year is a unique experience that allows for a deep engagement and learning experience.
It’s what Artistic Director Paavali Jumppanen refers to as ‘slow learning’ and ‘listening’ – concepts he has introduced at ANAM over the last few years where musicians have the benefit of researching and learning over a longer period.
“Before we deliver a performance, students don't only study the music for those couple weeks that is the rehearsal period, but we touch on the music earlier on.”
He adds that often visiting artists are invited for an early rehearsal period and then the musicians get to study the music over the following weeks before the actual performance.
In this instance of preparing for Wimmera-Mallee, the ANAM musicians had the opportunity to work with Kate Tempany and Adrian McNeil a few months in advance and this has been a rare and inspiring opportunity.
“Not only is working with a living composer something that doesn’t happen a lot but also learning about the intricacies of Hindustani Classical music is very enriching,” says Oakley.
Oakley feels engaging in all types of art is vital to the approach and understanding of his own practice as a Western classically trained musician. He thinks that there is a lot to learn and take from other styles, music or non-music related, and this helps to broaden the spectrum of what’s possible in a musician’s own practice.
Working with a living composer has been fascinating for him as he gets to see the behind the scenes of the creative process of composition.
“How does the score come together? How can we write this? Is there a better way of displaying this? That’s been something that I’ve really found an interest in,” he adds.
Currently, the quintet is working with Kate on the score and rehearsing by themselves before they meet Adrian and Kate for final rehearsals. This would be the first time Oakley will get to perform within the Hindustani Classical music tradition, and he’s discovering the differences in both traditions.
“One of the big differences between Western music and Hindustani music though is that so much of Hindustani music isn’t notated, and so for our quintet, learning to be more improvisational is something we are striving to achieve.”
He believes that a collaboration like this has enabled special and intimate connections with his peers and has been an eye-opening experience.
“Personally, I believe this composition has the potential to be a really exciting culmination of culture and music and so the preparation leading up to it is something we all care about in order to present the best result.”
Words by Jasmeet Kaur Sahi, in conversation with Oakley Paul and Paavali Jumppanen
ANAM CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL: SOUNDS OF AUSTRALIA
Thu 28 Nov 7pm
Fri 29 Nov 7pm
Sat 30 Nov 3pm
Sat 30 Nov 7pm
Venue Rosina Auditorium, Abbotsford Convent
Tickets from $20
Bookings anam.com.au or 03 9645 7911
