Q&A with ANAM Musicians: WASO Side by Side

Interview

On 26 July, ANAM Musicians will join the West Australian Symphony Orchestra onstage to bring Shostakovich’s Seventh Symphony to life. Before they set off to Perth, we caught up with our musicians to ask the ultimate question: Prokofiev or Shostakovich, whose music do you look forward to performing the most? And also, how does one travel safely with something so delicate and unusual like a musical instrument?

Alison-Fane Alison Fane (percussion)

Q1: Which do you look forward to performing the most - Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet selections or Shostakovich's Symphony no. 7, and why?

I’m most looking forward to Romeo and Juliet - I’m playing the snare drum which is a really important instrument throughout the ballet. It works closely with the piano and strings in a lot of movements but also has an extremely loud solo in the Death of Tybalt, which is super cool to play! It will be exciting to work with Simone Young as she’s such an important female figure in the Australian orchestral music scene. 

The WASO percussion/Timpani section are a lovely bunch of people, I can’t wait to be a sponge and soak up all of their knowledge throughout the week. 

Q2: Do you have tips on how to travel with your musical instrument?

Hot tip: don’t travel with triangle beaters in your carry on baggage...most of the airport security staff think you’re taking fire crackers...!


Jye-TodorovJye Todorov (bassoon)

Q1: Which do you look forward to performing the most - Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet selections or Shostakovich's Symphony no. 7, and why?

Hands down the Shostakovich's Symphony no. 7! I’m always excited for anything Shostakovich, and this symphony is no exception! 

Q2: Do you have tips on how to travel with your musical instrument?

When I’m flying with my bassoon (which is always), I get to the front of the boarding queue so there’s definitely room for my instrument in the overhead.


Freya-HombergrenFreya Hombergen (horn)

Q1: Which do you look forward to performing the most - Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet selections or Shostakovich's Symphony no. 7, and why?

I’m really looking forward to playing both. The horns get to play lots of famous melodies in both works....but playing in a full strength, surround sound 8-horns section is always so much fun! 

Q2: Do you have tips on how to travel with your musical instrument?

I get pretty nervous travelling with my horn as my case is quite bulky. I’ve travelled countless times with my horn but still often have to explain myself and convince airline staff that a) it’s important for me to have my instrument as carry on and b) it does actually fit in the overhead compartments! I make sure I take out all accessories (mutes, music, grease and oils) and carry them in my suitcase instead. I also always have a copy of the case size dimensions with me and have photos of my case in the overhead lockers of planes to show to any ground staff or flight attendants that might try to question me! 


Jackson-BankovicJackson Bankovic (trombone)

Q1: Which do you look forward to performing the most - Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet selections or Shostakovich's Symphony no. 7, and why?

I'm honestly so excited to play both pieces; they have such great brass parts! Though I am probably looking forward to playing Shostakovich's Symphony the most. I've never performed it before and the piece is incredible. I'm particularly excited for it being a work that has such immense and epic brass writing both on and off stage and being involved in something with so many musicians!

Q2: Do you have tips on how to travel with your musical instrument?

Smile. Lots. I've always found that while being friendly and very cooperative doesn't guarantee my instrument a spot in the cabin, it definitely goes a long way! Also, you never know whose day you might make. Other than that, I always pack the inside of my trombone case full of clothes in hope they'll work as a shock absorber in case it's relegated to checked baggage (which unfortunately it often is!). 


Alex-MeagherAlexander Meagher (percussion)

Q1: Which do you look forward to performing the most - Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet selections or Shostakovich's Symphony no. 7, and why?

On this occasion I’m looking forward to Shostakovich's Symphony the most, since I’ve never played it before. I enjoy orchestral pieces more when I get to play them because it gives me a chance to get a bit more familiar with the details of what the orchestra is playing. It means I can find specific bits that I love to listen to and I can’t wait to find where those moments will be in the symphony.

Q2: Do you have tips on how to travel with your musical instrument?

Travelling for percussionists needs a lot of planning in advance so that you know exactly what gear will be provided and what you need to bring with you. If the instruments you’re playing are provided or hired, it’s good to be able to adjust quickly to the sound and feel of the ones you’re unfamiliar with so that you can focus on playing music.

It’s equally important to have a selection of mallets, sticks, and beaters so that you can get the instruments to produce a variety of sounds. If you’re on the other side of the country and find that all the mallets you brought are too soft or too hard for what you’re playing, it’s a bit tricky to go back and get a different pair.


SIDE BY SIDE
Friday 26 July 7.30PM
Perth Concert Hall
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ANAM’s collaboration with Simone Young and WASO is generously supported by the Minderoo Foundation

Photo by Pia Johnson

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