Former music students of Linwood College are making their mark in many parts of the world and two of them will be the featured soloists in a concert in Christchurch at The Piano on 4 July.
Thomas Allely has been principal tuba player in the Queensland Symphony Orchestra since 2007. After initial studies in Wellington and Sydney, Thomas won a scholarship to DePaul University in Chicago after which he was appointed to his position in Brisbane. Now a sought-after teacher and masterclass tutor, Thomas also teaches at the Queensland Conservatorium at Griffith University in Brisbane as well as running regular workshops in other parts of the world.
Thomas will play Concerto for Tuba and Orchestra written specially for him by former long-time Linwood Head of Music, Tony Ryan, who will also conduct this performance. The concerto was originally written while Thomas was still a student at Linwood where it was premiered by the Linwood College Orchestra, after which he also played it with the NZ National Secondary Schools Symphony Orchestra.
For this performance Tony has completely re-written the work for Thomas and the Resonance Ensemble Orchestra. Initially planned for June of last year, the performance is now possible with the reopening of travel between Australia and New Zealand.
The other soloist in this concert is Helen Charlton (Helen Newton), who has established herself as one of Christchurch’s most successful singers, as well as being a leading choir director and singing teacher. Helen has sung at two previous Resonance Ensemble concerts and has featured as a soloist in many opera, concert and choral performances.
Several other former Linwood musicians are members of Resonance Ensemble, which is one of Christchurch’s leading orchestras. The 4 July concert includes: Susan Dollin (Susan Gill) – principal flute; Mathew Constable – principal trumpet; Helen Murray (Helen Zanders) – viola; Martyn Neale – violin.
Find out more about this exciting concert at https://www.resonance.net.nz/
Book tickets at https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/resonance-ensemble-a-tuba-at-the-jockey-club-tickets-155725307587