The Ironwood Developing Artists Program is unique in Australia in bridging the gap between student and professional performance for musicians working in historically informed performance (HIP).

This opportunity for Developing Artists is a new one for the Asia-Pacific region. Previously, students in the area of historic performance practice on early instruments had to travel to Europe or the United States/Canada to be part of high level emerging artist programs. This program fills a gap in our region.

Launched in 2010, the program offers project by project performance opportunities for pre-professional young musicians alongside Australian and international specialists in HIP. It involves touring nationally, and working on both mainstage and regional/rural performance & education projects.

In 2011 the program takes the form of a seasonal orchestra giving Developing Artists an opportunity to perform alongside professional mentors in both urban and regional venues. There will be programs throughout 2011 and early 2012, providing Australia and the Pacific region with a pre-professional link orchestra on early instruments in the tradition of the European Union Baroque Orchestra, and other programs run by Tafelmusik (Canada), Jeune Orchestre Atlantique (France) and Monteverdi Choir & Orchestra (UK).

Developing Artists will work alongside Ironwood’s musicians in concert, in education workshops, and in research based performance preparation. During 2011’s seasons Developing Artists will work with Rachael Beesley & Julia Fredersdorff (violin), Nicole Forsyth (viola), Daniel Yeadon (cello), Neal Peres Da Costa (harpsichord/fortepiano), and Darryl Poulsen (natural horn), with other seasonal tutors to be announced. Ironwood Developing Artists are part of the Bundanon Trust Artist in Residence program during their October 2011 season.

The program aims to make Developing Artists aware of the ‘tool kit’ of the research-based performing freelance musician, and the many facets that go to make up professional practice in the music sector in Asia-Pacific in the 21st century.

Ironwood’s Developing Artists program is aimed at pre-professional instrumentalists who have recently completed their studies on a historic instrument of the baroque and classical period or are currently studying (undergraduate/postgraduate major). Alternatively, musicians who have majored in a modern instrument, and pursued a significant minor or ensemble studies strand in a historic instrument may wish to follow this as part of their professional practice.

The program offers an unequalled opportunity in the southern hemisphere to work alongside professionals in this area, in elite performance, recording, broadcast and touring capacities. Ironwood envisages this program being fully supported by public/private partnerships, so that Developing Artists can audition for the program regardless of financial capacity to participate. If you would like to donate towards Australia’s musical future, please call Anna Cerneaz on 02 9389 8117.

Ironwood also runs an entry level program exploring historic performance practice in the context of a Summer or Winter Workshop course. The next course at this level will be held in 2012.

April 12-17 Melbourne
JS Bach St Matthew Passion        
Director: Jeremy Summerly (UK)
Concert: Melbourne Recital Centre
Pitch: A=415Hz. [Baroque violins, violas, cellos]

April 26 – May 7 Sydney
 “A Royal Occasion I” Music by Handel & Purcell
with The Choir of St James'
Director: Warren Trevelyan-Jones (UK/Australia)
Concerts: St James King St Sydney and St Judes Bowral
Pitch: A=415Hz. [Baroque violins, viola, cello, oboe, bassoon, trumpet]

September 19-24 Sydney
JS Bach Magnificat
Jonathan Dove - Köthener Messe 2002 (UK)
with The Choir of St James' and soloists
Director: Warren Trevelyan-Jones (UK/Australia)
Concerts: St James King St Sydney
Pitch: A=415Hz. [Baroque violins, viola, cello, flute, oboe, bassoon, trumpet]

October 10-16 Sydney/Bundanon, Nowra NSW
Mozart Piano Concerto No.16 K451 in D major
Haydn Symphony No.31 in D Major “Hornsignal”
Mozart Symphony No.25 K183 in G minor
Director/Soloist: Neal Peres Da Costa (Australia)
Rehearsal: Artist in Residence - Arthur & Yvonne Boyd Education Centre, Bundanon Trust NSW
Concerts: Carriageworks Redfern and Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle
Pitch: A=430Hz. [Classical violins, violas, cellos, basses, flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, trumpets, natural horns, keyboard (fortepiano)]

Skellern Educational Trust
Bundanon Trust Artist in Residence Program (October)
Melbourne Recital Centre
St James King St Sydney