INAUGURAL RECIPIENT ANNOUNCED: ANAM partners with the Orchestra Academy of the Bavarian State Opera (Munich) – Generously supported by Jane Hansen
The Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) has partnered with one of the most significant Opera Houses in the world to provide a dedicated position in the prestigious Orchestra Academy of the Bavarian State Opera for an ANAM musician or alumni.
The inaugural recipient commencing at the Orchestra Academy (Munich) in October 2019 is current ANAM violinist Johnny van Gend: “I’m very excited to work with and learn from one of the greatest opera orchestras in the world, and especially to catch the last year of the great conductor Kirill Petrenko, before he takes up the position of Chief Conductor with the Berlin Philharmonic. I’ve heard it said that every good musician needs to have a time in which they are obsessed with opera, so I’m looking forward to starting mine soon!”
During the two-year residency, musicians immerse themselves in life with the Opera House, participate in countless orchestral performances and chamber music concerts plus receive weekly instrumental instruction, mentorship and workshops.
This esteemed partnership is made possible by the generous support of The Hansen Little Foundation. “We’re very pleased to support a dedicated place in the Bavarian State Opera Academy for an ANAM musician” said Jane Hansen. “Opportunities such as these can be life-changing for a young musician. This placement is perfect for dedicated and determined musicians who are ready to take the next step in their performing careers.”
“The Bavarian State Opera is the source of incredible masterpieces, with world premiere performances across its history of operas by the likes of Mozart, Wagner and Strauss, and up to 40 opera productions performed throughout each year” said ANAM Artistic Director Nick Deutsch. Moreover, amongst its rich history of Music Directors include names such as Hans von Bülow, Richard Strauss and Zubin Mehta. “To be able to expose ANAM musicians to the tradition and remarkable heritage that comes with performing with this leading opera house is a huge privilege, and testament to the international level that ANAM has established,” continued Nick.
Director of the Orchestra Academy, Frank Bloedhorn said “It’s wonderful to enter a partnership with Australia’s most outstanding musicians and welcome ANAM’s Johnny van Gend to the Orchestra Academy. Across the next two years, I look forward to sharing with him what everyday life as an orchestral musician in the Bavarian State Opera brings about in terms of challenges, difficulties, and exciting and beautiful moments.”
This partnership complements ANAM’s existing International Academy opportunities with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Academy and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra Academy, alongside international collaborations with Colburn School (Los Angeles), The Sibelius Academy (Helsinki) and Guildhall School of Music (London), further positioning ANAM as one of the world’s leading training institutions.
Nick Deutsch concludes, “At ANAM, we aren’t only about training our musicians today, but ensuring the learning process continues beyond their studies. Providing tools, skills and opportunities for our young musicians to maintain successful long-term careers, and this partnership further demonstrates our aim.”