Welcome Back 2022

Soloists: Rachel Lau, Flute; Brienne Gawler, Oboe

Photo credit: Pia Johnson for the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM)

Rachel’s musical journey started with piano lessons, but her true first love was evident from the moment she picked up a flute at the age of 9. She was awarded her Associate Diploma with Distinction at the age of 14 as well as the Australian Music Examinations Board Leslie Barklamb Flute Award for that year, and the following year she received her Licentiate Diploma with Distinction.

After completing her Fellowship of Music in Flute Performance with Trinity College London, she moved from her home city of Melbourne to Brisbane to study with Virginia Taylor at the Queensland Conservatorium. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music in 2018, and subsequently moved back to Melbourne to study at the Australian National Academy of Music. Performance highlights have included playing with Voces8, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and working with illustrious musicians and conductors such as Stefan Dohr, Denis Bouriakov and Gábor Takács-Nagy.

Photo credit – Matthew Zachary Productions

Brienne Gawler is a Melbourne-based oboist, arts manager and educator. Brienne’s artistic practice has a focus on curating innovative musical experiences rooted in creativity and collaboration.

Brienne graduated with her Master of Music (Research) degree with First Class Honours from The University of Melbourne in 2022. She is the recipient of numerous accolades including the John Gaitskell Memorial Mensa Prize and she has attained her Licentiate Diploma on oboe and her Associate Diploma on oboe and piano from the Australian Music Examinations Board. Brienne has been broadcast on ABC Classic and has appeared in concert with Inventi Ensemble and Crosswinds Ensemble. Brienne was awarded first prize in the Gilbert Glausiuss Competition at The 11th International Akaroa Music Festival in New Zealand.

Guest Conductor: Gyula Cseszkó

Coming from a European background and raised on western art music has nurtured within Gyula a love for people and love of sharing music. Conducting over 40 orchestras and 8 choirs during a period of almost 20 years has heightened his love for the sounds of great music, musicians and kindled a passion for excellence. This drives the desire to recognize potential and realize great performances. Skills developed include discerning player placement, molding sound, phrasing, articulation, dynamics and the honing of orchestral tone. With an interest in historically informed performance practice, study of many scores has brought integrity to my preparation. The expertise gained in advanced conducting technique comes from studying with the late Professor John Hopkins OAM OBE, in addition, studying with conductors such Nicholas Braithwaite, Denis Vaughan, Shalom Ronly-Riklis, Carl Crossin and Carlo Felice Cillario.

Concert Details