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“Brandenburg One will provide that opportunity for deeper connection, with many different things to enjoy and discover”

NATALIA HARVEY

Together as One.

Join our journey into the future of Baroque.

Dear friend of the Brandenburg

Over the past few months, like many musicians, I have wondered what the future holds for the performing arts. The support from the community during this time is crucial to our survival; however, I also believe it is our responsibility as artists to remain relevant. While some arts organisations may not be able to adapt to this changing economic climate, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra is one of the rare ones who continually looks to the future. Somehow, it always feels fresh, inspired and wholehearted. Not many other orchestras have managed to achieve such a feeling. Every time I play with my Brandenburg friends and colleagues, it invigorates me. It's like going for ocean swims in the middle of winter — exhilarating — which is, incidentally, what I was doing during lockdown!

I live in Melbourne, but during the lockdown period, I decided to retreat to my mum's place in Shellharbour, NSW. She is a very active woman, so we spent lots of time outdoors. I do a lot of running, and it was nice to be active in such a beautiful location.

I have been working harder than ever on my violin playing (both period and modern), not only because there is so much time to practise, but because I have some big goals that I want to achieve this year. The pandemic has not shaken my drive to become a better musician. If anything — it has made me more determined. So, during the lockdown I have been sticking to a rigorous practice schedule, recording and analysing my playing, challenging myself to tackle the most challenging repertoire, and pushing my technical skills, artistic maturity, and knowledge of music. I also had some very inspiring online lessons with Professor Barnabas Kelemen, the teacher with whom I'm hoping to study from in Germany at the end of the year (pending the international travel situation), for a two-year Masters degree. However, I plan to come back to Australia very often to work and maintain my professional life here.

To break up the intensity of my practice, I am finding lots of joy in other creative projects. I've become quite a keen gardener, and it's a hobby which is turning out to be very satisfying and therapeutic. Inspired by my environment in lockdown, I made beach terrariums, which I gave as gifts to family members and friends. I also experimented with the Dutch pour painting technique, which was very fun (but messy!), and did a bit of baking. I've included some photos from the last couple of months which you can see by clicking here.

I miss performing with the Brandenburg so much. The day that we can start rehearsing again as an orchestra will be a very joyous one for me. I would like our audience to know that we can't wait to get back to the stage to play together for them again! Our passion for sharing the experience of music is so strong that I know we will always find ways to connect through music, no matter the situation. Brandenburg One will provide that opportunity for deeper connection, with many different things to enjoy and discover, and we are all looking forward to sharing this with you when it launches on Monday 13 July at 10:00 AM AEST.

We need your support more than ever to continue sharing the joy and passion of Baroque music whenever you want and wherever you are. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation before the end of the financial year today, 30 June, and join our journey into the future of Baroque.

Natalia Harvey
Baroque Violin