Coffs Con Alumni
Being a music student can be difficult. It’s countless hours of lessons, rehearsals and practicing at home (we tell our teachers). BUT, have you ever stopped to think about what could be next? Where might your musical talents take you?
We have two amazing students within The Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) representing Coffs Harbour.
Felix Hughes Chivers (20) has just returned from an International Tour with AYO, his sister Safia (17), also returning home from a National Music Camp with AYO and where did they get their musical start you may ask? – Right here in Coffs Harbour!
Felix’s musical journey began right here within the walls of The Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium where his teacher introduced him to the AYO with Felix remembering the program, “…looked like such an energetic and high-level youth orchestra, and it just made me want to do it too!”
Since then, Felix is completing a Bachelor of Music at the Queensland Conservatorium where he composes for oboe concerto, piano trio, string quartet as well as orchestral works. With this, he has also received numerous accolades including:
- Harmer Endowment Fund for Viola
- John Curro Viola Prize
- Australian and New Zealand Viola Society Solo Viola Composition Prize.
Felix has toured with AYO in places including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Vienna’s Musikverein and Berlin’s Grossensaal RBB. Felix reminisced on the tour with,
“…Getting to play at the pinnacle of concert stages with everyone committing and going of it – it was a very inspiring concert.”
Safia Hughes Chivers is also making musical waves with her roots residing in Coffs Harbour too. Safia to is involved with AYO and says “getting to play in an orchestra with other young musicians who are really enthusiastic about making music and getting to work with amazing tutors and conductors who bring music to life.”
We have had plenty of other Coffs Con Alumni go on to perform with the AYO as they offer a range of specialised training pathways for gifted young instrumentalists. Through both AYO Symphonists and National Music Camp, there is something for everybody!
For more information visit ayo.com.au. Thankyou to Geraldine Cardozo from AYO for the information for this piece.
