‘My study’s function has expanded in this COVID-19 world to include Squawkestra rehearsal space, mask-sewing facility and working from home office.  I’m grateful to have such a place to maintain social connections, make music and continue working but it’s the escape of my daily walk that allows me to spend the rest of the day there.  Seeing the wattle bloom on the banks of the Yarra, noticing the emerging blossoms in neighbours’… Read More

Last rehearsal we were very lucky to have guest conductor Mark Shiell lead us for our zoom rehearsal. Tchaikovsky’s “Capriccio Italien” was the focus of the night, and Mark first introduced it to us with a short video presentation describing the inspiration (Tchaikovsky’s trip to Rome in 1880) and comparing and contrasting it with excerpts from Mikhail Glinka’s “Spanish Fantasias”, the piece it was modelled on. Then it was into rehearsing.  We… Read More

Our first online season was given the title, “Build you Sanctuary”. Recently we asked orchestra members to reveal the sanctuary that has kept members busy on music and engaged with each other. “Here’s part of my den”.  “This is a map of my neighbourhood which is my sanctuary for the next six weeks. I can go to all places within the pink circle on my bike if I can get there and… Read More