Sydney Youth Orchestra's Wollongong performance was 10 years in the making

The double bassist has been part of the Sydney Youth Orchestra’s for a decade and finally will be performing with them in his much prided home on August 6 at Wollongong Town Hall.

“Wollongong is a special city and helping to promote it through the arts is also really important,” Whitehall said.

“We are so lucky to have the Australian World Orchestra Conductor Alex Briger and Naoko Keatley a London Symphony Orchestra soloist coming to Wollongong finally with the SYO.”

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Keatley is now a full-time member of the London Symphony but, like Whitehall, began her stage career with SYO when in primary school.

Two classical works from the Romantic period will be performed at the afternoon concert: Dvorak’s Symphony No.7 and Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto.

Whitehall said it was a pleasant surprise when he first learned of the program making it’s way to Wollongong in January, something of a feat as he believes it can be difficult to entice classical musicians to travel outside of capital cities.

“It’s such a beautiful place, it totally deserves more music. I’m proud of Wollongong, the music scene is getting stronger,” Whitehall said.

It comes as classical music productions such as that from the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Ballet and other smaller ensembles are now booking several shows each year.

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Whitehall may not be of legal drinking age in some countries but the virtuoso – who’s also trained in classical guitar and drums – has been part of several ensembles including The Metropolitan Orchestra, the Australian Youth Orchestra and SBS Youth Orchestra, and has performed at Carols In The Domain and Sydney’s Vivid Festival.

“It’s all about getting experience, it’s the key to success really,” Whitehall said of his achievements.

When he’s not carting his giant instrument around concert-halls or studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music you may find the musician busking in the Crown Street Mall as a guitarist in the group 1 Minute Walk.

He said he’s been lucky that one opportunity has led to another and another, plus it helps to have a passion for music.

The Sydney Youth Orchestra’s “Ambition and Virtuosity” concert, performing Dvorak and Tchaikovsky at Wollongong Town Hall, Sunday August 6, 3pm.

For ticket details and more information visit: www.merrigong.com.au 

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