Symphony in the Sails
Concert-goers felt a sense of anticipation at this year’s Lane Cove Festival LCYO concert held on Sunday 20 September at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. The concert was already sold-out and there would be a world-premiere of Adrian Hallam’s Windsong! The Conservatorium was a welcome respite from the warm summer day (even though it was still spring!). On arrival, concert-goers were delighted at the lavish spread and an offer of red or white wine. Parent-helpers were also on hand to serve the various dishes to the hungry concert-goers.
Inside the concert hall, there was a slide show of the escapades of the LCYO players on the magnificent tall ship, the James Craig. The photos reflected the fun, casual nautical atmosphere of the 2026 workshop.
The concert began with the lively Pirate Dance which was a perfect piece to launch the concert nautical theme. Drunken Sailor, a familiar sea shanty transformed into an orchestral piece. Trombone player, Dominic Schroeder provided the wonderful “waa-waa” in this concert item.
The epic Viking Saga begins with a breathtaking call to arms by French horn soloist, Bryn Arnold. Concert-goers are transported to the fjords of Norway and then swept up on boats to Scotland. Bryn plays a battle cry on the “Horns of War” where we experience the battle and then the journey home.
Inspired by the soft-shoe dances of vaudeville, Sandpaper Ballet features percussionists rubbing hand sanders together of coarse, medium and fine grade sandpaper.
Mya Hill, our talented assistant conductor, conducted the lively fast-paced Russian Sailors’ Dance.
Adrian Hallam composed Windsong, especially for LCYO. It was an enormous privilege to be able to attend today’s world premiere performance of Windsong at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. It was wonderful to see the audience getting involved in the performance by clicking fingers (for rain) and patting thighs (for heavy rain).
The nautical theme ends with the swashbuckling Pirates of the Caribbean.
LCYO are honoured to be able to invite the Sydney Catholic Schools Artists Evolution Orchestra, Caringbah to join today’s concert. Mark Brown, LCYO’s conductor and Artistic Director, is also the conductor for the Sydney Catholic Schools Artists Evolution Orchestra, Caringbah. The Sydney Catholic Schools Artists Evolution Orchestra, Caringbah performed a number of items, Symphony No. 5 Finale, Highlights from the Phantom of the Opera, The Syncopated Clock, Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah and The Barber of Seville Overture. Of special note was The Syncopated Clock, where the percussionist, Henk Murphy memorably tapped out the syncopated “tick tock” rhythm. We were also honoured to have Richard Ling in his role as conductor-in-training, conduct the Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah.
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A special presentation was also awarded by Lindsay May and Tania May of the Rotary Club of Lane Cove. The Paul Harris Fellow was presented to Colin Ho in recognition of his contribution to supporting LCYO and the wider Lane Cove community. Colin Ho from Lane Cove Council, has provided invaluable assistance to LCYO in helping transport the music and instruments down to the school hall. Many Lane Cove residents would be familiar with Colin working in a variety of roles at community events. What a well-deserved honour for Colin!
The combined orchestras, LCYO and Sydney Catholic Schools Artists Evolution Orchestra, Caringbah played How to Train your Dragon as the grand finale. It was an uplifting end to a highly enjoyable, unforgettable concert.
Special thanks to Adrian Hallam for not only composing his beautiful works but also performing at today's concert. Many thanks to Lena and her team for the delicious food. Photos taken by Amrita Lal, Emily Gee, Peter and Shirley Stidston.
