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Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Interview with Margaret Blades of The Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra

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Margaret Blades

The Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra will be presenting Souvenirs, the first concert series for this year. 

This is a delightful program of timeless works will be conducted by Marco Bellasi with guest soloist Margaret Blades. 

Blades’ bio is longer than a thoroughly rosined bow and includes a career as a teacher and chamber musician after having spent many years as a leader and violinist of various orchestras, including the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Symphony, Melbourne Symphony, and others.

As a soloist, she has appeared just about everywhere across the country, across ‘the ditch’ and in the US where she performed the Mozart Sinfonia Concertante with Emerson String Quartet violist, Lawence Dutton.

She has performed on stage with some of Australia’s finest artists and in numerous broadcasts for ABC Classic FM and last week she spoke to The Echo about her upcoming guest spot with The Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra.

Do you find that most people like chamber music or do some people need convincing?

I guess it’s a matter of being exposed, or introduced to it. Good chamber music is something unique to listen to, and once a person has been introduced to a live performance, I believe (I hope) they want to hear more.

What is it that you love most about chamber music?

I love to play in smaller groups, and the GCCO are a fantastic bunch to play with. Chamber orchestras are much smaller than symphony orchestras, and there is a certain amount of personal freedom in your interpretations – it’s more like a conversation between friends, rather than a dictatorship!

Do you have a favourite piece that you enjoy playing? 

Nothing beats playing music by JS Bach. As a violinist, there is nowhere to hide technically, but the deeper spiritual aspect of the music brings one back, time and time again.

What inspires you both musically and in general?

I get inspiration by listening to the great artists of the past, and also the incredible amount of new talent on the scene. Musicians who not only are brilliant technicians, but who also take risks and by doing this, gain new audiences. I am also greatly inspired by nature – the beach is my favourite place.

Do you get the chance often to go and see live music? If so, what sort of things do you see?

I love hearing local folk musicians at local pubs actually!

What is the most satisfying aspect of your work?

I love the whole journey, from learning a piece, and nutting out interpretation, to performing it and enjoying the reaction of the listeners. As a teacher, there is nothing better than having students who practise, and watching them fly.

And the most challenging?

Some students don’t practise nearly enough.

What would you hope the audience would take away from the Murwillumbah performance?

A sense of being part of the creation and the delivery of a great work of art, and also a sense of community by supporting artists and their vocation.

Souvenirs will be performed at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre, 10-14 Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah on Sunday, 14 May at 2.30pm.


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