Local artist profile: Cheryl Long

THIS week we chat with Cheryl Long, a leading member of the Bendigo performing arts community, renowned pianist, and an accompanist at Girton Grammar School.

What initially motivated you to take up the piano?

Learning piano was a family tradition for me. My granny studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in the early days. My parents both learnt piano and then this continued with my three siblings. We all began our piano studies from the age of six with Bendigo icon Leila Watson OAM.

How would you describe your own playing style and how did you come to develop it?

My playing style has always been on the expressive side and I particularly love playing Romantic piano music. Leila taught me excellent technique and all the fundamentals of conveying the composer’s wishes.

I do also love playing for music theatre shows and sharing the joy of music in the orchestra pit with friends and colleagues.

Which other pianists inspire you and for what reason?

My list of inspiring pianists is long – very long. Glenn Gould from Canada for his genius; Martha Argerich from Argentina for her piano concerto prowess; Lang Lang from China for his beautiful and sensitive playing. I could go on all day with even more favourites!

All of my teachers have been inspiring and I believe it is important to impart the love of music to your own students in a fun and energetic way.

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

One of my most favourite performances was with the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra, playing Schumann’s Piano Concerto. To have the support and camaraderie of fellow Bendigonians was a special feeling and a wonderful memory I hold close to my heart.

The opening of our magnificent Ulumbarra Theatre in April 2015 was extremely memorable. Stephen Briggs and myself performed an arrangement of West Side Story for two pianos.

My latest and most unique performance at Ulumbarra Theatre was for David Gagliardi’s immersive media experience Everyone Goes to Heaven in the Clothes They Died In. He composed music for six pianos on stage! It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and one I shall never forget.

My most favourite musician to accompany is my very good friend, flutist Cynthia Holsworth.

We have performed together in many concerts and on many occasions there was hardly a dry eye in the audience. She is an amazingly talented and beautiful flutist.

How has your practice been affected by COVID? Has there been little change or has it had a substantial effect?

Living in a house with two high school students – my children, Solomon and Mya – and my drummer partner – Gavan Moncrieff… well, let’s say COVID was interesting.

My practice was limited, but my teaching online continued full force. It was lovely to be able to teach one-on-one, albeit online and with sound delays and sometimes poor internet connection.

This, however, was a rewarding time for my students and myself, to be able to connect and to continue making music.

What would you say to young regional aspiring musicians who are thinking of having a go at working as a professional?

I would say work hard to achieve your goals, attend as many live concerts as you can, always accept constructive criticism and put it into play, practise, practise more, commit, love every stage of learning your instrument, thank your parents and teachers, and practise some more.