Events

Music Legend Don Burrows Gets Into The Act

Orchestra Victoria is presenting its Education Program in East Gippsland for the very first time this week and the response has been outstanding. Even Australian music legend, jazz icon and Gippsland local Don Burrows is getting into the act.

Don joined over 60 participants in Orchestra Victoria’s community workshop in Bairnsdale earlier this week. Some local musicians travelled over 2 hours to take advantage of this rare and valuable opportunity.  Participants ranged in age from 12 – almost 80 years and included a former principal trumpet of the MSO.

Don enjoyed it so much that he returned the next day to sit amongst the 41 teenaged music students with his flute. This is a thrill for the students, conductor and Orchestra Victoria musicians alike!

Conductor Benjamin Northey said “Don was my hero growing up – and having an Australian icon playing with the kids is unbelievably special for me. It’s also something for the students here today to always look back on and remember.”

Orchestra Victoria trumpet player Robert Smithies said “He is a legend of the business – this is incredible to have him join in!”

After spending two days enhancing their skills, the students will perform a selection of works in a concert for the community at 6.30pm on Thursday 29 July. The concert provides an opportunity for the students to showcase their new skills and for the community to enjoy the sounds of a full orchestra featuring local rising stars.

Thanks to Orchestra Victoria’s supporters, including East Gippsland Shire Council and Bendigo Bank, this Orchestra Victoria Education workshop is offered free of charge to all participants.

Since the Education program began in 2003, and thanks to Orchestra Victoria’s supporters, more than 1700 Victorian students and teachers have fine-tuned their skills with Orchestra Victoria. First held in Bendigo and Traralgon in 2003 with great success, the workshops have also been held in Shepparton, Hamilton, Sunshine and Mildura. Coming up: Orchestra Victoria Education will be held in Werribee on 17 & 18 August.