25TH MAY 2021

ARTIST PROFILE: Tomas Phillips

Interviews

Tomas Phillips will perform a movement from Mozart’s achingly-beautiful clarinet concerto at the upcoming Celebration of Youth concerts for Steel City Strings.

Our Manager, Jeremy Boulton sat down with Tomas to learn more about him and his musical journey.

Image: Phil Harris from Split Focus Media.

Tell us about yourself, when did your musical journey begin and what initially sparked your interest in classical music?

“My mother has always played classical music and we grew up listening to Mozart and alike. A family friend up the road was learning the clarinet from my current teacher Nigel Edwards and after seeing him perform at a concert I fell in love with the instrument and haven’t looked back.”

Who gave you your first instrument or performance opportunity? How did you enjoy your first time in the performance limelight?

“I can vividly remember my mother always pressuring me to play in mini concerts or even just in front of my grandparents. While initially I was a timid child performing, now I love performing as even though it may not be flawless, being in the moment and playing for family or strangers alike makes all the long hours of practicing worth it.”

Where are you at right now with your musical journey?

“I am currently in University but despite not studying music I am still playing and performing with the Bluescope Youth Orchestra and working towards attaining my AMusA. I was also fortunate enough to be selected to play in the 2020 Encore “Virtual” concert following my HSC performances. The brilliant solo piece “Jabrizi” composed by my teacher Nigel has not only rightly received many plaudits but has a strong personal meaning to myself.”

Image: Phil Harris from Split Focus Media.

Where do you see yourself in the future playing music? Do you have a dream performance venue or orchestra to play with in the future, or are you just simply enjoying the moment and seeing where music takes you?!

“While I do not have specific ambitions in the music field, simply continuing to play, perform and maybe even teach will bring many enjoyable opportunities in my future. The Mozart clarinet concerto is one of my favourite pieces of all time so playing it today with Steel City Strings will be one of the highlights of my music career so far.”

Who is your favourite artist that plays your instrument and why?

“Sabine Meyer. A German clarinettist who does not attempt to be overly flashy or flamboyant. I still remember attending a concert in Sydney with my brother and being inspired by her rich, clear tone.”

Tell us about what you will be performing with Steel City Strings. Is your piece significant to you on a personal or musical level? What drew you to performing this music with Steel City Strings?

“The clarinet I will be performing on was bought for me by my late Grandmother before her passing and so playing this piece will be a dedication to her and my Grandfather. There are few opportunities for non-professionals musicians to play a concerto in front of an audience (especially in front of local friends and family) so I am delighted to have this opportunity.”

—

Steel City Strings – Celebration of Youth is coming to venues across the region this June!

Wollongong, Burradoo, Nowra.

Tickets Now Available: www.SteelCityStrings.com.au

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Testimonials

The members of Steel City Strings are outstanding examples of hard work, enterprise, enthusiasm and dedication. They reach for the stars and beyond. More power to these wonderful people.

Richard Gill AO

In Debussy's Sacred and Profane Dances of 1904 the orchestra was joined by harpist Paulina Smirnov whose scintillating playing created a wonderful and subtly-nuanced centrepiece for the concert.

Anon

A fascinating program of works from various musical periods... The orchestra played with a strong sense of ensemble, and brought an infectious verve to the Mozart.

Anon

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