Experience the best emerging local musical talent as the Penrith Youth Orchestra and the Valda Silvy Ensemble come together to perform an exclusive concert at The Joan on 1 September.
To celebrate the inaugural performance of the Valda Silvy Ensemble, one of Penrith Conservatorium of Music’s rising stars, 17-year-old multi-instrumentalist, Joseph Foong will join the ensemble to perform Mozart’s vibrant Piano Concerto No. 22 in E flat major.
Also featuring classics by Bartók, Tchaikovsky and Beethoven this concert will transport you across eras and nations, from the “music capital of the world” in Vienna, to the picturesque fairytale-castles in Moscow.
Guaranteed to delight music lovers of all ages, don’t miss your opportunity to hear your favourite classical works performed live on stage by incredible young musicians from our region.
REPERTOIRE
Valda Silvy Ensemble
Mozart Piano Concert No. 22 in E flat major, K482 (in chamber form)
Penrith Youth Orchestra Wind Ensemble
David Holsinger On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss
Penrith Youth Orchestra String Ensemble
Bartók Romanian Folk Dances
Penrith Youth Orchestra
Tchaikovsky Themes from Marche Slav
Beethoven Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125, IV. Finale
BILLING
Artist Director and Conductor
Dr Paul Terracini
Performers
Penrith Youth Orchestra
Valda Silvy Ensemble
ABOUT THE VALDA SILVY ENSEMBLE
The Valda Silvy Ensemble (VSE) is a distinguished chamber group comprising exceptionally talented young musicians from the Penrith Conservatorium of Music. As an extension of the Penrith Conservatorium’s chamber music program, the VSE specialise in performing works from the Classical period, reflecting the personal passion of their patron and namesake, Valda Silvy OAM.
The ensemble, under the guidance of experienced mentors and educators, breathes new life into the timeless masterpieces of composers such as Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven. Whether performing in intimate venues or on larger stages, the VSE captivates audiences with their exceptional musicality and heartfelt interpretations. They strive to make classical music accessible and enjoyable for all, fostering a lifelong love of music in their listeners.
VALDA SILVY, OAM
Valda Silvy is a tireless champion of the arts in Western Sydney. She is well-known in the music industry for her commitment to nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for students who may not otherwise have access to high-quality music education. In 1990, Valda founded the Penrith Conservatorium of Music, an institution that remains the leading provider of music education in Western Sydney to this day.
Valda continues to actively support and promote the arts, ensuring that young musicians in Western Sydney have access to education and events that inspire them to pursue careers in music. Her contributions have been acknowledged through prestigious awards, including the Order of Australia Medal (OAM).
JOSEPH FOONG – Piano Solo
At 17 years old, Joseph has already achieved notable success in the field of music. With over a decade of study, he has earned his Associate of Music Diploma in piano, violin, and organ (distinction), and he has also received his Licentiate of Music with distinction in both Piano and Organ.
Joseph’s musical education includes piano training from an international teacher in Poland and, he is currently the recipient of the Richard and Doreen Organ Scholarship at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
In addition to his formal studies, Joseph is actively involved in various musical ensembles and institutions. He is a pivotal member of the Richard Bonynge Ensemble, the Valda Silvy Ensemble, and the Penrith Youth Orchestra. Furthermore, Joseph regularly performs as the organist for St John’s College at the University of Sydney.
Outside of music, Joseph has a keen interest in history, philosophy, and languages where he is simultaneously studying Latin, French, and Greek.
ABOUT PENRITH YOUTH ORCHESTRA
In February 2018, history was made for young musicians in Western Sydney when 44 students came together in the inaugural workshops of Penrith Youth Orchestra (PYO).
PYO was established in a partnership between the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith Symphony Orchestra (PSO) and the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO). The Orchestra expanded on the highly successful Penrith Strings program which ran from 2015 to 2017, adding wind, brass and percussion sections.
Penrith Youth Orchestra is an ambitious partnership which provides young musicians in Western Sydney with:
- Access to expert mentoring by leading performers and musicians.
- A family-friendly schedule that includes workshops that are typically held on three Sunday afternoons per term.
- A locally based youth orchestra that is dedicated to the students of Western Sydney and its surrounds.
- A warm, caring and supportive environment which has a collaborative and community and focusses on learning, not competition.
- The strong partnership of key organisations which ensures a solid educational, musical and administrative foundation.
KEY DETAILS
Dates & Times: Sunday 1 September at 3pm.
Duration: 80 minutes (No interval).
Venue: Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street, Penrith.
Tickets: Standard Ticket $25, Concession/Student/Under 18’s $20. A fee of $5 applies to all bookings.
Click Here for More Information and Bookings
Images
Top Banner and Joseph Foong photos by Eddy Summers