Unique opportunity for local musicians

A unique opportunity is on the horizon for local musicians with a free workshop with revered conductor, musician and arranger Rod Ennis.

Rod has worked with some of Australia’s finest music acts and is set to be in Mount Gambier on January 18 for the workshop, which will run from 1-4.30pm at the City Band Hall.

The workshop has been made possible courtesy of Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, which supports the arts in Regional and Remote Australia, and is being facilitated by the Limestone Coast Symphony Orchestra (LCSO).

Limestone Coast Symphony Orchestra president Tiana Scott said presenting opportunities to develop local musicians and to attract more players to the orchestra was a priority for 2025.

“We are looking to broaden opportunities within orchestral music and performance for younger and less experienced players of the Limestone Coast,” Tiana said. “This workshop is aimed at both experienced and inexperienced players while also introducing Rod Ennis to the LCSO community as a future conductor and arranger. The music is suitable for grade 3-4 standard and above and is a child safe event.”

Rod is a Melbourne University Conservatorium of Music graduate and has been busy working in the industry ever since.

“I’ve been busy teaching, arranging and directing music and ensembles of all shapes and sizes, all the way up to symphony orchestras,” he said. “Along the way I’ve had the chance to perform, arrange and record music with many of this country’s finest artists and ensembles, including Pete Murray, Guy Sebastian, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, and once even Cate Blanchett.

“I can’t wait to be back in front of an orchestra, to conduct the Limestone Coast Symphony for a masterclass and workshop later this month, and to hear some of my more special arrangements brought to life by our fine local musicians – it’s orchestra, but like you’ve never heard it before.

“See you all at the gig, it’ll be one not to be missed.”

The workshop is open to players only, to allow for an immersive learning experience, particularly for less experienced players working in an orchestra for the first time but audiences will get a chance to hear the fruits of their labour when the orchestra performs its September season.

The workshop will see players working on three contemporary style pieces selected by Rod and the LCSO music director.

Rod’s arrangement of the Cyndi Lauper song ‘Time After Time’ with orchestra, vocals, and backing group; his arrangement of the Coldplay song ‘Sky Full of Stars’ for orchestra and backing group and John Powell’s piece ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ arranged for orchestra by Kevin Riley.

The Limestone Coast Symphony Orchestra is set for its 2025 season with a classical concert with conductor Angus Christie on June 21 at 2pm at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, while the workshop is a small taste of what is to come for our September performance featuring contemporary music.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANK MONGER