Prepare to be inspired and delighted by sheer talent and musical gift. Featuring 13-year-old Gold Coast violinist Alessandro Martinese performing Wieniawski’s Violin Concerto No. 2, and conducted by Owen Clarke, this is a concert not to be missed.
A year 8 student at Somerset College on the Gold Coast, Alessandro completed AMEB LMusA with Distinction in violin this year, and currently studies with Michele Walsh, head of strings at the Queensland Conservatorium at Griffith University. He was invited to join the Mini Q Quartet under the mentorship of Ensemble Q, a professional ensemble of some of the finest musicians in Australia. A keen member of the Queensland Youth Orchestra and the concertmaster of the Somerset College Senior String Orchestra, Alessandro performed the 3rd movement of the Bruch Concerto with Queensland Youth Philharmonic Orchestra in 2024. He also won first prize at the Cremona International Music Academy and received an open scholarship at the prestigious Redlands Eisteddfod last year. From the Albert Hall in London to Bozar in Brussels, Alessandro now brings his music home to the Gold Coast with this stunning concerto.
Conducted by Owen Clarke
The NRSO is delighted to welcome Mr Owen Clarke as our Guest Conductor. With over two decades’ experience as a conductor, music educator and performer, Mr Clarke brings a wealth of artistic leadership and a deep commitment to musical excellence, education, and community engagement. His professional journey spans leadership of military bands as Director of Music for both the Royal New Zealand Navy Band and the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band, guest conducting appearances with leading orchestras including the Auckland Philharmonic, Christchurch Symphony and Rockhampton Symphony Orchestra, and artistic direction of major youth festivals such as Rhapsody Rotorua. Currently, he is the Director of Performing Arts at All Saints Anglican School, where he oversees a vibrant and diverse program of ensembles, musical theatre, and curriculum music.
In addition to Wieniawski’s Violin Concerto No. 2, this brilliant programme includes Mozart’s Overture to the Magic Flute, Schubert’s Rosamunde (Balletmusik No. 2) and the Unfinished Symphony. Tickets are available via this link, or can be purchased at the door by cash or card if not sold out.