Local artist profile: Nigel MacLean

THIS week we chat with another teacher from the Bendigo Instrumental Music Program, composer/violinist Nigel MacLean, who over the years as a solo artist has performed with some of Australia’s most well known acts.

What initially motivated you to take up the strings?

At age three years my parents bought a recording of Jascha Heifetz playing Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. Later I was told that I kept insisting I was going to play the violin.

They finally put one in my hand at age five and I performed the 1st Movement of that concerto with the Waikato Symphony Orchestra nine years later.

How would you describe your style?

I consider myself an “all terrain” violinist.

Classically trained for 13 years, then studied jazz at Berklee College of Music in Boston, twice awarded National Bluegrass Champion and I performed as a rock violinist with stars including Tim Rogers, Kate Ceberano and Megan Washington.

Which other string players inspire you?

So many – Jascha Heifetz, David Oistrakh, Isaac Perlman, Yehudi Menuhin, Stephane Grappelli, Stuff Smith, Jean Luc Ponty, Darol Anger, Svend Assmussen, Michael Cleveland.

They’re inspiring because of their brilliance and musicianship.

My students inspire me too when they turn up to lessons having achieved good progress during the week.

What are some highlights you have from your career so far?

I have been blessed to have had such a full life of experiences from meeting Bob Dylan twice and jamming with his band to leading full symphony orchestras for David Hirschfelder’s original film scores whilst working as his personal assistant for six years.

The most exciting and proud memories have been my international and national touring with two fantastic First Nations productions.

I composed the music for Ilbijerri Theatre’s “Jack Charles v The Crown” which did eight years of seasons all around Australia and in New York, London, Dublin, Canada, Japan and New Zealand.

The other was the Black Arm Band “Dirtsong” which starred some of Australia’s leading Aboriginal talent including Emma Donovan, Deline Briscoe, Fred Leone and Archie Roach.

A very proud moment for me was performing at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington New Zealand, where I first performed with the NZSO in 1983 just after it was built, and returning there for a performance with the Black Arm Band, Uncle Archie and Paul Kelly 33 years later.

The amazing musicians I’ve performed and recorded with as a solo artist also include Joe Chindamo, Dan Hicks, Renee Geyer and Paul Kelly, who has even recorded his vocals on some of my yet-to-be released songs!

Can people check out your work online?

Yes. Just google me up. My website is filmharmonix.com and I also have a YouTube channel.

Do you have any shows coming up?

Not in the immediate future but I’m looking forward to the BIMP Strings Presentation Concert on 13 November at the Stratagem Theatre where my students will perform tunes we’ve been working on this year.

What would you say to young regional aspiring strings players who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Go for it. Be bold. Life isn’t a dress rehearsal. Dream big and never lose sight of your goals. Work hard at your vision for yourself and stay open and free.

Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and put yourself out there. Learn to trust yourself and don’t make rash decisions.

Our biggest challenges often end up being our biggest learning experiences.

Most of all, always find the fun in what you’re doing.