“You all should be truly congratulated for bringing classical music to the masses but also satisfying the most ardent baroque music aficionado!”
ABO audience member
In addition to our two annual donation campaigns, the Brandenburg has several philanthropic funds which contribute towards specific areas of the Orchestra’s work.
ACCESS ABO
Access ABO is the Brandenburg’s new community outreach initiative to take the Brandenburg outside the concert hall to the broader Sydney community – and into the hearts of new audiences! Small ensembles of Brandenburg musicians will perform specifically selected repertoire, and we hope to excite community groups with extraordinary baroque music – which will be a new experience for many.
Our inaugural Access ABO concert took place at Ultimo Community Centre in November 2014, and we are looking forward to bringing more community groups together throughout 2015 for these free and uplifting recitals.
THE BRANDENBURG INTERNATIONAL
BAROQUE STUDY PROGRAM
The Brandenburg International Baroque Study Program supports the Orchestra’s musicians to undertake intensive one-to-one study with the world’s eminent baroque musicians. Our musicians relish this vital opportunity to challenge themselves, continue their research and learn from other baroque specialists. This program was launched in 2012 with our Principal Flute, Melissa Farrow its inaugural recipient. In 2014, Matthew Bruce, our Resident Concertmaster, travelled to Europe and the United Kingdom for a month-long program of masterclasses from leading period violin specialists.
2015 RECIPIENT
BEN DOLLMAN, Principal Baroque Violin
Travelling through Holland, the UK, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Hungary, Ben was able to observe several high quality period orchestras at work as well as spend time with some top-level colleagues on his own playing. Ben was able to take on board new experiences in the form of an inspiring improvisation course in Italy, and meet many new colleagues along the way to make connections and play with.
Read about Ben’s trip here.
2014 RECIPIENT
MATTHEW BRUCE, Concertmaster
In April 2014, Matthew Bruce travelled to Europe and the United Kingdom for a one month tour, receiving Masterclasses from leading period violin specialists. The tour increased Matthew’s expertise and experience in current period performance practice, enabling him to make a greater contribution to his role with the Orchestra.
Read about Matthew’s trip here.
2012 INAUGURAL RECIPIENT
MELISSA FARROW, Principal Flautist
In demand on the Australian early music scene as a period flautist and recorder player, Melissa has been Principal Flute of The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra since 2003. She has performed and recorded with Pinchgut Opera, Sinfonia Australis, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Philharmonia, Ironwood, Luduvico’s Band and the Australian Haydn Ensemble. Melissa coordinates programmes of beautiful chamber music for small Brandenburg ensembles as part of the Brandenburg’s commitment to community performances.
Melissa was the first recipient of the The Brandenburg International Baroque Study Program which enabled her to travel to Frankfurt, Freiburg, Innsbruck, Amsterdam and Berlin to extend her knowledge and practice in her specialist area.
Read about the highlights of Melissa’s trip here.
THE NEW INSTRUMENT FUND
During 2014 we established the New Instrument Fund to raise funds to purchase specialised instruments to fulfil the changing needs of the Orchestra. Our first target was to raise enough to commission a Henk Klop Continuo Organ. This magnificent, high-quality instrument has an ease of mobility and range of sound which will enable it to be included in the Brandenburg’s touring concert program. We are delighted to announce that we succeeded in reaching our fundraising target for the Klop Organ in February 2015, and that it will be hand-built in the Netherlands to exact specifications and delivered in time for Noël! Noël! 2015.
Thank you to all our generous supporters who contributed to the New Instrument Fund. You are helping us to bring the joy and thrill of live baroque music to the widest possible audience through our regional touring program.
CHAIRMAN’S 11
The Chairman of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Mr Greg Ward, and the Board of Directors have established the Chairman’s 11 – a prestigious membership group for individuals who wish to make a significant investment towards the Brandenburg’s artistic future. Forming the nucleus of support for the Orchestra’s guest artist program, members of Chairman’s 11 will provide key financial resources to allow the Brandenburg to continue to invite outstanding guest artists, from Australia and overseas, to play with our world class Orchestra. Membership is by invitation only.
Dedicated to the memory of James Strong AO, Chairman’s 11 makes a strong philanthropic statement about the value of supporting artistic excellence.
Please consider supporting the Brandenburg, whether monthly, quarterly or annually.
For more information or to make payments by phone, please call our Philanthropy Manager on 02 9363 2899.