TSO and chamber music concerts

The regional tour was a lot of fun. It was my first crack at principal bass with the TSO - a real blast. It was a one bass gig, a great program of baroque and early classical pieces, including Biber Battalia (and all the fun of Bartok pizzes, and paper under the strings to make the bass sound like a snare drum), JC Bach Symphony no 6 (real sturm and drang happening) and Haydn 43.

After a week in Melbourne came my first gig with Elanee Ensemble, who are Jo St Leon and Stuart Thomson (pictured). They are a Viola and Bass duo, establishing a fabulous repertoire for this quirky but very effective pairing. I was in the Rolla Concertino a Tre, originally written for viola, cello and bassoon, but performed on this occasion by viola and two basses. Great fun, and lots of floor rumbling sonorities.

My next chamber gig is on Sunday 24/3, when I retackle Failing and play the Dittersdorf Duetto with Will Newbery.


Photo - you put your bass down for 5 mins and some bloke picks it up! Stuart Thomson trying out the Lott in the new studio, that is almost finished and ready for me to move in!

Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra

We are now about half way thro my 12 week contract with the TSO. Am still having a ball. I nipped back to Melbourne last week after recordings for The Australian Ballet, just before the 2nd Symphony Under the Stars gig in Launceston. We call outdoor gigs "muddy field" dates in the UK, for obvious reason - no mud here, just thoasands of people having a great time.

I am currently up to eyeballs practcing for three programs:-

this weeks regional tour - its my first gig as principal bass with the TSO

on 16/3 I do a chamber concert with the Elanee Ensemble, and Stuart Thomson's arrangement of the Rolla Concertino is tricky for all of us

and the next chamber gig is on 24/3, with Will Newbery, doing the Dittersdorf Duetto for Viola and Bass, plus I have agreed to do Failing!

The Tassie summer is still glorious, hi 20s or even clipping the 30s. Long may it continue.

Photo - Michael Fortescue, moi and Hugh Kluger, doing the Hobart SUTS gig. I think its my best side!