Subcategories

• 

  Orpheus Music proudly presents

  The Australasian Recorder Festival 2024

  January 7 – 12 Armidale NSW Australia

  January 6 Opening concert

  with virtual competition (worldwide) finals 9th January

  The Australasian Recorder Festival 2025

  January 12-18  Armidale NSW Australia

  with Performance Competition 10 of January (Australasian)

  

  A celebration of the recorder in all its splendour – playing,  listening,  exploring. A festival of full immersion for players of all ages. Six days of technique classes, ensembles and special interest topics and concerts.

  In addition there is the Australasian Recorder Competition which is open to soloists and ensembles. The Festival is residential and each group works with a variety of world-renowned tutors throughout the week.

  "What would a year be without a week in January in Armidale, dedicated to playing recorder intensively with fellow recorder addicts at the wonderful Orpheus Recorder Boutique?  Orpheus Recorder Boutiques are a very rich experience for so many of us, where we can immerse ourselves in the joys of learning, music-making and team-work, with like-minded people who quickly become lasting friends.  Orpheus Music also sells a fabulous range of recorders of all sizes, to suit every pocket, and music from the earliest times to the ultra-modern, to suit recorder players at every level, whether playing solo or in a group of any conceivable size.  A veritable treasure trove!  Thanks so much to Zana, Peter and Alexandra for their expertise and patience in providing advice and help."        (Vanessa Elwell-Gavins, Hervey Bay, QLD)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

  Festival enrolments are open June 1.

  Special early Bird discount from 1-11 June Trybooking link here

  
  TUTORS 

  	Simon Borutzki (GERMANY)		Alana Blackburn (NSW)
  	Alexandra Bailliet-Joly (NSW)		Robyn Mellor (ACT)
  	Daniel Murphy (NSW)		Rodney Waterman (VIC)
  	Anna Stegmann (GERMANY)		Kamala Bain (New Zealand)
  	Kimberley Scriven (NSW)		Robert Manley (NSW)

   

  More tutors announced  soon...

  Click here to read about our International and National Tutors.

   

  DESCRIPTION

  About the Festival: Six days of full immersion for players of all ages. The Festival will be made up of technique classes, ensembles both large and small, special interest topics and concerts. Each group will be a balanced and fully functional small ensemble that caters to each individual’s needs, and each group will work with a variety of tutors throughout the week.

  There will be a separate Youth Section for players under 18.  Full board is available on campus - also available for unaccompanied minors (age 11 yrs and older).

   

  ELIGIBILITY

  All participants need to be comfortable with both C and F fingerings from tier 2 onwards (I.e. must be able to read for and play descant/tenor and treble).

  This year,  Tier 1 level will be offered, where those who only know one fingering are welcome to the festival to learn the secondary fingering. I.e. those who can only play descant/tenor are welcome to learn F fingering (alto/bass), and vice versa.  Please email alex@orpheusmusic.com.au if you are interested in being part of this stream.

   

  VENUE

  Presbyterian Ladies' College (PLC),15-57 Crest Rd, Armidale NSW 2350

  Full board will be available on site as well as catering for those staying off site. 

  Fullboard includes all meals and accommodation on campus from Saturday 6th January evening (includes dinner) until Saturday 13th January morning (includes breakfast). All beds in dormitory are private with a cubicle and curtain, bed and desk. All accommodation includes bedding and linen. BYO pillow.  All accommodation use shared bathrooms. Full board is also available for unaccompanied minors (age 11 yrs and older) who will be looked after by a House Mother and supervised in non class times. 

   

  HOW TO GET TO ARMIDALE

  Armidale is situated half way between Sydney and Brisbane on the New England Tableland. It is an education centre and the home of the University of New England. Both Qantas and Rex fly from Sydney to Armidale and Fly Corporate flies from Brisbane to Armidale. There is a daily train service from Sydney to Armidale. For Under 18s, Orpheus Music will arrange to pickup participants from either Airport or Train station. As the Accommodation is on site, there would be no further transport needs whilst at the course. 

   

  GROUPS AND SET WORKS 

  For the Festival a maximum of 6 set works will be required.  Around the end of August, participants will be organised by the tutors into groups according to standard and balance of instruments and repertoire will be selected that best suits each level.  Each participant will receive a list of set works along with a part allocation in late September If you have not attended an Orpheus Recorder course, you will be contacted to discuss your playing level. 

   

  How are participants allocated a group? 

  This process takes place over several months and includes the following:

    1.  Tutor feedback. At the end of each course the tutors give feedback about their technique class as to whether each participant was in the correct level in relation to their group colleagues or whether they could go up or down.

    2.  Participants own evaluation of their playing standard in the application process (with reference to the Tiers described below)

    3.  Participants that have not previously attended are contacted by telephone and their experience/playing level is discussed. Tutors that may have had previous experience with a player new to our course are asked for their perspectives.

    4.  After the groups have been formed in their initial draft form, further input is sought from the tutors once they are able to view each group as a whole.

   

  Tiered system of progressions and expectations

  Note that there could be multiple groups within each tier depending on who enrols.

  For full information on tier system please click here.

  Tier 1: can play one instrument or fingering type (that is, either C [descant] or F [treble]) within a range of 1 and a half octaves, preferably having learnt for at least a year. You are keen to learn to play an alternative fingering during the course. This level only runs if there is enough interest.

  Tier 2: All participants need to be comfortable with both C and F fingerings. You must be able to read for and play descant/tenor and treble. You may be keen to learn to play bass during the course.

  Tier 3: In addition to Tier 2 requirements, you can play the bass recorder and are prepared to play it when requested (unless you have physical restrictions). You are keen to learn to read treble up the octave. 

  Tier 4: In addition to Tier 2 and 3 requirements requirements you will be required to have your own bass recorder with you at all times, and can read treble up the octave and bass in the treble clef.

  Tier 5: In addition to Tier 2, 3 and 4 requirements, you will prepare your set works to a high standard and are prepared to play them in masterclass style sessions.

  NB. If you feel you fit outside of these groups or unsure where you should place yourself please include this information when you enrol.

   

  SPECIAL INTEREST TOPICS

  Participants will have the options of selecting 3 or 4 special interest topics to do during the festival. Participants will select their options around November when our complete programme has been finalized. The list of special topics for the 2024 Festival have not been confirmed yet but below is a list of some of the topics offered in the 2023 Festival.

  • • Low consort (tenor through to contrabass)

    • Breathing / Tone quality/Intonation/High Notes!

    • What does “inegale” mean?

    • Cracking the French Code

    • Understanding contemporary performance repertoire

    • Unlocking Your Musical Mind: The Psychology of Performance

    • Working with a collaborative keyboardist or continuo player 

    • Unleash your creativity to compose music in real time - i.e. improvisation.

    • Lead your ensemble 

    • Hemiolas where are You?

    • Hot and Hasty, like a Scotch jig (Shakespeare): translating dance into music 

    • Playing a slur! The where’s, when’s & why’s

    • Suzuki Method 

    • Improvisation Games for Classical Musicians

    • Broaden your repertoire on the recorder - transposing

   

  CONCERTS 

  A part of the festival there will be a variety Blackboard concerts and a final concert which are all included in the festival fee. Visitors, friends and family are welcome to attend these concerts at no additional cost.  There will also be a series of special of Festival concerts that include the opening concert which participants can either select when they enrol or pay on the night. Entry free for 18 and under.

   

  TRADE DISPLAY

  Largest range of recorder sheet music, recorders and accessories in the Southern Hemisphere available throughout the Festival. The display will be open from the 5th January so coming a day or two earlier will allow a relaxed browsing opportunity.

   

  FESTIVAL TOWN DINNER

  On the final day of the Australasian Recorder Festival and after the final concert there is a Town Dinner. This will be held at the Armidale Bowling Club.

   

  ENROLMENT DUE DATE

  Bookings open on June 1 2023 which includes and early bird period and bookings close 31 August. For late enrolments please contact Orpheus Music to check if there are places remaining.

   

  COSTS  

  Registration Fee	Registration fee includes 6 days of tuition, blackboard concerts, final concert and morning teas
  Adult	Adult	$790
  Concession	Pensioners and full-time students only	$690
  Under 18	Secondary School Student	$520
  Primary Student	Primary School Student	$350
  On campus Accommodation and Full Board	All meals and Accommodation on campus from Saturday 6th January evening (includes dinner) until Saturday 13th January morning (includes breakfast). N.B The town Dinner on Friday 12th is not included in this fee.
  Single Room	Single room from Saturday 6th January evening (includes dinner) until Saturday 13th January morning (includes breakfast).	$930
  Twin Room	Twin room with 2 single beds from Saturday 6th January evening (includes dinner) until Saturday 13th January morning (includes breakfast).	$840
  Dorm quod	Partitioned private cubicle from Saturday 6th January evening (includes dinner) until Saturday 13th January morning (includes breakfast).	$790
  Dorm	Partitioned private cubicle from Saturday 6th January evening (includes dinner) until Saturday 13th January morning (includes breakfast).	$760
  Dorm under 18	Partitioned private cubicle from Saturday 6th January evening (includes dinner) until Saturday 13th January morning (includes breakfast).	$760
  Catering	Only for those staying off-campus as catering is included for those staying on campus.
  All Lunches	6 Lunches 7-12 January 2024	$170
  All Lunches and Dinners (including the Town Dinner)	All Lunches (6) and dinners (6) but does not include Town Dinner	$350
  Town Dinner	Friday 12th January	$65
  Additional Course Add-on Options
  OPENING CONCERT	Opening Concert Saturday 6 January.  Chamber Orchestra Tutor Concert directed by Simon Borutzki. Entry free for 18 and under.	$45
  FESTIVAL CONCERT PASS	Festival Concert Saver. All concerts including the opening concert. Total of 3 concerts. Entry free for 18 and under.	$95

   

  Refunds for all courses: 

  50% refund if withdrawing before 30 September 2023; 

  25% refund if withdrawing before 30 November 2023;

  No refund after 1 December 2023.

  NB - it is recommended that participants consider taking out insurance in case you are unable to attend at the last minute.  

• 

  Orpheus Virtual Recorder Competition

  Celebrating Australian Recorder Music

  around the world

  

  VISION

  The Orpheus Virtual Recorder Competition 2023 celebrates Australian composers and their compositions with recorder players and ensembles around the world. Participants are invited to submit a complete piece or two movement that has been self-recorded with a video recording.

  THE COMPETITION

  o There are two sections for this competition: Solo and Group.

  o Participants may enter both sections, however only one video recording per section is permitted.

  o Participants can choose to submit a multitrack recording by one player and submit in both sections.

  o Video Recording: Participants can create, design and edit the video in any way they wish – including adding images, photos, animation and text. However, the judges will be forming their decisions on the musical aspects of the recording (including interpretation of the score, group intonation, etc.).

  o There is no time limit on the video recordings.

  o The video should be created especially for the competition, and not previously published on YouTube or other websites as this will be deemed ineligible.

  o Finalists will have their videos uploaded to the Orpheus music Youtube channel and shared on Orpheus Music social media, website, newsletters and presented at the Australasian Recorder Festival 2024.

  o Videos that are not awarded may be published on the participants' own channels.

  ENTER NOW
  

  Trybooking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CHMNL
  

  

  ENTRY FEE

  Solo $30 AUD

  Group $80 AUD

  Fees go towards the competition prizes and administrative costs.To be paid through the trybooking link above.

  
  JURY

  The jury will be composed of national and international tutors at the Australasian Recorder Festival.

  The decision of the jury is final.

  DEADLINE

  The submission deadline for the competition is December 1st, 2023. The winners will be announced at the Australasian Recorder Festival 2024

  PRIZES

  As this competition is open worldwide, all prizes are in AUD.

  The prizes for the Group competition are as follows:

  1st prize: $1000 Prize, interview and video shared in Gecko newsletter with ensemble leader, finalists video recording premiered at the Australasian Recorder Festival, Orpheus Music Gift pack (3 x Orpheus Music Publications PDF of your own choice, Orpheus Music merchandise, Orpheus Music CD recording).

  2nd prize: $300 Orpheus Gift Voucher, finalists video recording premiered at the Australasian Recorder Festival, Orpheus Music Gift pack (2 x Orpheus Music Publications PDF of your own choice, Orpheus Music merchandise, Orpheus Music CD recording).

  3rd prize: $100 Orpheus Gift Voucher, finalists video recording premiered at the Australasian Recorder Festival, Orpheus Music Gift pack (1 x Orpheus Music Publications PDF of your own choice, Orpheus Music merchandise, Orpheus Music CD recording).

  4th - 5th prizes (honorable mentions): Finalists video recording premiered at the Australasian Recorder Festival, Orpheus Music Gift pack (1 x Orpheus Music Publications PDF of your own choice).

  The prizes for the Solo competition are as follows:

  1st prize: $500 Prize, interview and video shared in Gecko newsletter with ensemble leader, finalists video recording premiered at the Australasian Recorder Festival, Orpheus Music Gift pack (3 x Orpheus Music Publications PDF of your own choice, Orpheus Music merchandise, Orpheus Music CD recording).

  2nd prize: $200 Orpheus Music Gift Voucher, finalists video recording premiered at the Australasian Recorder Festival, Orpheus Music Gift pack (2 x Orpheus Music Publications PDF of your own choice, Orpheus Music merchandise, Orpheus Music CD recording).

  3rd prize: $100 Orpheus Music Gift Voucher, finalists video recording premiered at the Australasian Recorder Festival, Orpheus Music Gift pack (1 x Orpheus Music Publications PDF of your own choice, Orpheus Music merchandise, Orpheus Music CD recording).

  4th - 5th prizes (honorable mentions): finalists video recording premiered at the Australasian Recorder Festival, Orpheus Music Gift pack (1 x Orpheus Music Publications PDF of your own choice).

  HOW TO PARTICIPATE

  To take part in the competition, sign up with this trybooking link and send the video recording to alex@orpheusmusic.com.au with a with a download link to the video (dropbox or wetransfer). Please include title, composer, names of group or participants, place video was recorded and any extra information that is relevant.

  Participants agree that their video will be published on Orpheus Music YouTube channel from December 1st 2023 and may be linked share to Orpheus Music website and social media.

  There is no age limit, and anyone worldwide can submit a video.

  Anyone under the age of 18 will need to sign a parental/guardian media consent form.

  REPERTOIRE

  
  Solo Section: any movement or whole piece can be performed.

  Descant/Treble

  Dawn and Dusk Vol 1 by Zana Clarke OMP 012 (any selection of descant and treble pieces)

  Dawn and Dusk Vol 2 by Zana Clarke

  Behind my right shoulder by Zana Clarke OMP 001

  Eleanor by Kirby OMP184 (Descant and Piano)

  Phoebe, Don Quixote & Allin a 'Dale OMP294 (Descant and Piano)

  Rhythmic Recorder OMP144 (treble and piano)

  Treble

  Chocolate Bulbul by Ben Thorn OMP 032

  Frangipani Walk and Back to Ubud by Ros Bandt OMP 312 (note can be played on any F fingering instrument)

  Asiadeh and other songs by Racheal Cogan OMP 112

  Franklin River by Malcolm Tattersall OMP 102

  Tenor

  Pages from a book by Beverley Lea OMP 090

  Cold Honey by Zana Clarke OMP 005

  With cast iron Diamonds by Colin Schmidt YCS 005

  Snave's Violetta Tango by Winsome Evans OMP 089 (Tango only)

  Bass

  Croutons by Ben Thorn OMP 276

  Three Follies for Bass Recorder by Ben Thorn OMP 242

  Ikaho by Malcolm Tattersall OMP 021

  Other: Ganassi or Voice Flute or two recorders played at once:

  Cold Honey by Zana Clarke OMP 005

  Absence and For Fardin by Rachael Cogan OMP 156

  Where’s the Other one? By Ben Thorn OMP 003

  Electronics and Recorder

  Pipistrelli gialli by Ben Thorn OMP 054

  Polly wants a Cracker by Ben Thorn OMP 249

  Group Section: any number of parts can be doubled in the performance.

  Duos

  Drone Dances by Ben Thorn OMP 239

  Arabesques by Malcolm Tattersall OMP 033

  Spangled Sonata by Lance Eccles OMP 078

  Tootle Bottle by Ondrej Sarek OMP 216

  The Revellers enter by Matilda Pamnent YCS014

  Trios

  A Handful of Trios – By numerous composers OMP 224

  Abbot's Bromley Horn Dance by Ben Thorn OMP 063

  Best Toot Forward by Tom Zadik OMP 189

  Danse de Village and other trios by Kevin Holland

  Due giochini esatonici by Ben Thorn OMP 018

  Four Pieces for Recorder Trio by Nigel Butterley OMP 117

  Syrta by Rachael Cogan OMP 134

  Night Sky by Lance Eccles OMP298

  Once upon a time and other songs by Clarke/Thorn OMP164

  Quartets

  Whirligig– Hamilton OMP315

  Rose Garden Suite – Loader OMP317,

  Sketches of White Wings – Dillion OMP318

  Hindsight by Marty Pevan OMP 316

  Fugue and Dance: MMXX by Chris Adams OMP 320

  Imploding Mango by Gaha Katia OMP 319

  Journeying by Diana Blom OMP152

  Rainforest Waltzes By Lance Eccles OMP254

  Waltz by not a Waltz By Lance Eccles OMP255

  Celtic Materials by Ben Thorn OMP127

  Time Pieces by Ben Thorn OMP086

  Consort Royal by Jana Skarecky OMP167

  Mind your Step by Zana Clarke OMP108

  Beneath the Sea by Lance Eccles OMP307

  At the Royal Ball by Lance Eccles OMP300

  Protest March by Lance Eccles OMP302

  Piglets at the Trough by Lance Eccles OMP194

  Dancing in the Mustard Fields by Clarke/Thorn OMP104

  Quintets

  Fricasseed Frogs for Felicity by Ben Thorn

  Okavango by Holton OMP 147

  Bardi’s Dream by Ben Thorn OMP 120

  Consort Royal by Jana Skarecky OMP 167

  Manus Diaboli by Tony Lewis OMP 261

  Park Suite by Louise Welsh OMP 205

  Blackened Petals by Lance Eccles OMP202

  Sunlight on the Glacier by Lance Eccles OMP268

  Sextets

  Shephard’s Songs by Minter OMP 324

  Child’s Play by Ball OMP 326

  Balkan Sketches by Jones OMP 323

  Beyond Motion Lies The Moment by Ade Vincent OMP 340

  Concertante for Recorder Sextet by Andrei Hadap OMP 327

  Septets, Octets or more

  Concertino by Williams OMP 165

  Zaida Gaire by Tony Lewis OMP 065

  Deep Sea Perspectives by Ben Thorn OMP 067

  Clutch of Fipples by Gilmour OMP 125

  Worth ninety-eight flying by Ben Thorn OMP 030

  Is there enough room? by Ben Thorn OMP 122
  
  

  NOTE: You can buy our hardback publications online, or receive a PDF instantly by choosing the online version which is sent to your email. The PDF versions have a 20% discount and have no shipping costs.

  Please be advised that Orpheus Music reserves the right to cancel or make modifications to the event in the event of unforeseen circumstances or insufficient participation in the competition.

  Should any changes or cancellations occur, we assure you that we will make every effort to notify all participants promptly and explore viable alternatives, if available. In the event of a cancellation, all reservations made through TryBooking will be refunded accordingly. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and flexibility in light of such situations.

• 

  Past Courses

  

  Orpheus Music has been organizing Workshops, Courses, Summer Schools, Festivals and Grand Musical Gatherings since 1994. All the courses have been held in Armidale NSW except for The Grand Musical Gatherings in 2003 that were held in Melbourne, Canberra and Newcastle.

  ---

  For Further archival material and photos please select from below: 

  • Orpheus Recorder Boutique ORB2014, ORB2015, ORB2016, ORB2017, ORB2018, ORB2019, ORB2020
  • Australasian Recorder Festival - ARF2023
  • Gathering - Gathering 2022
  • Orpheus Music Recorder Courses - OMRC2006, OMRC2007, OMRC2008, OMRC2009, OMRC2010, OMRC2011, OMRC2013
  • Orpheus Music Choral Courses - 2009, 2010
  • Junior String Summer Schools - 2009, 2010
  • Early Chamber Summer Schools - 2008, 2009
  • Steps in Time - 2005
  • Call of the Four Winds - 2000
  • Grand Musical Gatherings - 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003
• 

  The Australasian Recorder Competition 2025

  Proudly presented by Orpheus Music

  PRESELECTION: 12.00pm, October 1, 2024 FINALS: January 10 2025

  For full details please down load here.