Are Australians in danger of overlooking some of the best music-making in our own backyard?

The other day I found myself counting my musical blessings. For the last year I have been privileged to be on the invite lists of orchestras, ensembles and festivals – and I’ve done nearly all of them. From the late-lamented Hobart Baroque (who gave Julia Lezhneva her down under debut) to the artistic glories of Perth, I’ve been out of the Limelight office to hear what’s going on.

I’ve chatted to chief conductors, festival gurus, players and orchestra managers and I’ve heard some remarkable music making. I’ve even been to a pigshed in Morundah in my quest for culture! One thing that has struck me, though, was how few of my fellow Sydneysiders I’ve bumped into while travelling interstate (the Melbourne Ring excepted). That’s why I’ve bent ears to give me a platform from which to evangelise. And my message is: “The music’s great out there – so why sit around at home?”

“WASO are becoming one of the best Romantic orchestras outside of Germany”

The last year or two has seen a fair few changes...