The Silvan Quartet

The Australian Youth Orchestra's Regional Residency Program continues with the company's Young Australian Concert Artists in residence at Bundanon.

Stage Two participants are The Silvan Quartet, formed in 2005 by Kate Sullivan (violin), Emma Hunt (violin) and Rhianwen Bramble (viola) through the University of Melbourne Chamber Music Program directed by William Hennessy, and was joined by Lily Thornton (cello) in 2008. Since its formation the quartet has given numerous performances around Melbourne and regional Victoria, including a performance as part of the 2009 Montsalvat Chamber Music Series. They have also been featured several times on 3MBS FM.

They are regularly tutored by members of the Flinders Quartet, renowned chamber musicians William Hennessy and Janis Laurs, and have also performed for the Tokyo String Quartet. In early 2009 the Silvan Quartet attended the Chamber Music Summer School in Mt. Buller where they worked closely with Keith Crellin, Christian Wojtowicz and Rachel Bremner, along with the Flinders Quartet.

YACA REGIONAL RESIDENCY PROGRAM

YACA Regional Residency expands the existing YACA model by selecting a leading established ensemble to be Ensemble-in-Residence at a regional musical institution. In 2009 the program will be held at Bundanon, the ‘living arts centre’ and treasured properties of Arthur and Yvonne Boyd, across two one-month stages. While living in this fully supported environment and unique cultural setting, you will be mentored by the Goldner String Quartet, acclaimed as Australia’s ‘indisputably pre-eminent chamber music ensemble’.

You will be given time to study and perform new repertoire, as well as develop leadership, management and performance presentation skills as an ensemble. Interaction between the successful ensemble, the Shoalhaven region and surrounding communities through performances, workshops, open rehearsals and discussions will remain key features of this expanded program.

“It was fantastic to work with the Goldner String Quartet, really great to have such a long period just to concentrate on rehearsals, and so nice to establish a relationship with other musicians in our host community.” YACA Regional Residency participant