Contemporary to Classical

A new commission by the Maroondah Symphony Orchestra by well-known local composer David Keeffe opens this concert. Mozart wrote his last four violin concertos in the same year when he was 19. His sparkling final violin concerto features some vaguely oriental rhythms (actually Hungarian!) in the last movement that gave it its nickname. Brahms’ brooding 4th symphony provides a stark contrast, with its sense of yearning for something unattainable.

Soloist:  Harry Ward, Violin

Harry  has always been extremely passionate about music, the violin in particular.  He is excited to be studying in Melbourne with Dr Robin Wilson at the Australian National Academy of Music.

Since the age of ten Harry has performed as a soloist, concert master and chamber musician; with performances throughout Australia, America, Mexico, Singapore, China and Europe. He has worked and performed with prestigious artists and orchestras in China between 2009-11 and in Switzerland in 2014.  In early 2014, Harry moved to Vienna to study with Boris Kuschnir.  He then moved to the U.S.  Spending  time in New York City where he performed at Carnegie Hall. He then went on to take part in the Rome Chamber Music Festival where he performed with the Venice Baroque Orchestra.

In early 2019 Harry attended the Aspen Music Festival  on full scholarship where he was invited to perform with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra as part of their conducting academy program working closely with  the Australian Chamber Orchestra, as an Emerging Artist with the Collective Orchestra where he toured with the Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto throughout NSW, SA and Vic.

Harry has been fortunate to win many prestigious awards and prizes, including the Australian National Youth Concerto Competition and as a finalist in the ABC Young Performers Awards and the ANAM Chamber Music Competition.  Most importantly the competitions have afforded Harry some great opportunities to get to know other musicians who have become lifelong friends and mentors.  Harry also performs with other musicians outside of the classical realm and believes these experiences have nourished his playing in all genres.

Harry performs on a beautiful 1780 Pietro Antonio Landolfi violin on loan from anonymous but very generous benefactor/s.