Free concerts, that’s music to my ears!
Did you know that the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University (QCGU) aka the ‘Con’ hosts free concerts every week? Let my talented peers entertain you with hour-long lunchtime concerts on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1:05pm and Thursday evening Student Band Nights 6pm-8pm at the Con.
With the new academic year underway, music students from the Con are preparing for their first performances of the year. This year’s lunchtime concerts include a diverse range of talents from classical art music to experimental improvisations. At the Con, musicians expand beyond the classical realm with ensembles playing Javanese Gamelan, New Music, Feral Pop and Klezmer just to name a few. These concerts are ways for departments within the Con to showcase their numerous ensembles and provide a platform for student-led groups to perform throughout the year.
All performances are family friendly and some even overlap with school holidays so it’s a great way to introduce children to different genres of music and instruments. Not only are the concerts free, there’s no dress code for attendees so just come and enjoy.
Public performances give opportunities for students to showcase their work in an authentic setting. Trumpet student Lauren Albury is excited to be involved in the upcoming Brass Department lunchtime concert on Wednesday 18 April. “I think the free lunchtime concerts are a brilliant idea as it keeps our small ensembles motivated and eager to share what we’ve learnt or have been practising for so long. Not only is it a great performance opportunity for everyone, but we get plenty of experience performing in sections which essentially prepares us for the real performing world rather than playing solo repertoire for the entirety of our degrees.”
Premiering at the next Student Composition Recital is Tanya Jones’ piece for double bass quartet. “I am eager to collaborate with the double bass department, mixing familiar and unorthodox techniques. Last year, I composed for double bass and guitar and I’m looking forward to exploring the entire lower musical range. The venue, Ian Hanger Recital Hall, provides a great opportunity for all composition students to start developing an instinct for manipulation of sound to the benefit of the audience.” Come along to hear Tanya’s composition as well as new works by other creative composition students on Wednesday 2 May.
If you fancy some evening jazz, Student Band Nights are on Thursday nights in the foyer. The first one for the year is Thursday 26 April 6pm featuring student-led bands from the jazz department.
Make sure to check out queenslandconservatorium.com.au to see the variety of performances the Con has to offer.
By Charlotte Fung