Sydney's brightest young musical talents are ready to create some music to knock visitors' socks off at the Australia Pavilion.
Those playing at the pavilion through July 16 include three outstanding ensembles from the University of Sydney’s Conservatorium of Music - its Jazz Big Band, Percussion Ensemble and Saxophone Ensemble.
Visitors to the pavilion will be inspired by their fresh and exciting approach to music, which reflects the dynamic, creative character of the arts scene in Australia, said commissioner general for Australia Lyndall Sachs.
The three ensembles are among the 150-plus artists who participate in the cultural program at the Australia Pavilion. The cultural program has been very well received by nearly three million visitors who have seen the pavilion.
It is predicted that during the six months of Expo, more than seven million visitors will visit the Australia Pavilion. The cultural program over this period will include nearly 900 performances spanning a diverse range of genres.
The University of Sydney is a gold sponsor of the Australian pavilion.
The conservatorium's flagship Jazz Big Band is directed by prominent arranger, conductor and producer William Motzing. The band members are chosen after a competitive audition process, ensuring that only the best perform in Shanghai. The band is a regular performer at international music festivals and concerts in Australia.
The Percussion Ensemble is drawn from elite students who toured in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan in 2009. The group is directed by outstanding composer, performer and recording artist Daryl Pratt, Chair of the Percussion Unit. They are especially interested in performances of new works by Australian composers.
The Saxophone Ensemble performs under the direction of Dr Michael Duke, the Conservatorium's Lecturer in Woodwind and the first full-time classical saxophone teacher at an Australian university. Formed in 2008, the Saxophone Ensemble has already been featured in numerous high profile concerts performing premieres of original Australian repertoire, and has been broadcast nationally in Australia.
