From a Dark Millennium Conservatorium Wind Orchestra Professor Peter Morris, Conductor
Featuring Rory Kelly
Omnifenix Concerto by John Psalthas
& the World Premiere of
The Light They Carry by Ross Irwin
With special guests from UQ, Eltham High School (VIC) and Young Conservatorium
Friday 21 August 2026 | 7:30pm | Conservatorium Theatre
Welcome! Welcome to the Queensland Conservatorium. Tonight’s concert brings together two of my favourite things: new music and collaboration. I would like to warmly welcome our friends from Eltham High School (Victoria), the School of Music at The University of Queensland, our extended Conservatorium family from the Young Conservatorium program, and our concerto soloists. Together, they represent the very best of what music can achieve: bringing people together across institutions, generations and locations. I would like to acknowledge tonight's curator/conductor, Peter Morris, and our Ensembles Manager, Dan Fossi, whose vision and dedication have brought together this extraordinary gathering of musicians from across the country. Enjoy the concert.
Professor Vanessa Tomlinson Director, Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University
Thank you for joining us tonight for an exciting evening of contemporary music for wind, brass and percussion. Tonight we have the great pleasure of sharing the stage in true collaboration with some exciting guests as mentioned above. Beyond this, we take great pride in presenting not only a major work from the wind band canon, but also a number of new works by Australian composers, including world premieres, and some Australian premieres. Such a delight to share this evening with you all!
Professor Peter Morris Deputy Director (Performance and Partnerships)
Program ELTHAM HS SYMPHONIC BAND
Run to the Light
Alex Trevino
QCGU & ELTHAM ENSEMBLES
The Light They Carry*
Roscoe James Irwin
SAXOPHONE FEATURE
Rothko Resonance* Tower of Flower*
Martin Kay
COMBINED ENSEMBLES
John & Jim^
Chicken Fight Club*
Viet Cuong Mark Mothersbaugh
(from Minecraft)
(arr. Fairlie)
INTERVAL QLD CONSERVATORIUM WIND ORCHESTRA
From a Dark Millennium
Joseph Schwantner
Me Disagrees
Cathy Likhuta
Omnifenix
John Psathas
Saxophone Concerto Rory Kelly (Saxophone) Matthew McDonald (Drums)
(arr. lubaroff) *World Premiere ^Australian Premiere
The Light They Carry by Roscoe James Irwin Commissioned through an international consortium led by the Eltham High School Symphonic Band and the Queensland Conservatorium Wind Orchestra The Light They Carry is inspired by the experiences of children and families whose lives have been shaped by conflict, and by the humanitarian workers who stand beside them with compassion, dignity, and hope, the work is a reflection on our shared humanity. Rather than exploring the politics of war, the music tells human stories. It acknowledges grief and loss while celebrating resilience, kindness, and the quiet acts of compassion that endure even in the darkest circumstances. Based on the humanitarian principles of Humanity, Impartiality, and Neutrality, the project encourages empathy rather than ideology. The composer has drawn on stories that reveal the hardship of displacement and loss, as well as the remarkable courage, compassion, and hope that endure in those communities. The work is divided into four sections, representing a child’s journey and the spirit of those who protect them. First Light | Promise | Fear and Loss | They Carry the Light
Conservatorium Wind Orchestra The Queensland Conservatorium Wind Orchestra has enjoyed a long history of exciting and definitive performances, as one of Australia’s premier wind, brass and percussion ensembles. Under the baton of Professor Peter Morris, the ensemble continues to evolve within the ever-changing trajectory of this developing art form. This ensemble continually strives to set the benchmark for performance across the nation presenting a vast scope of repertoire from time honoured masterworks to contemporary works from across the globe and innovative new commissions from local Australian composers. The Wind Orchestra’s focus extends far beyond the walls of the Conservatorium, enriching and supporting the local community of composers, conductors, educators and school students. This development of new repertoire and focus on professional development for all who participate in this evolving art form continues to be an exciting pedagogical focus of the Queensland Conservatorium Wind Orchestra.
Conservatorium Wind Orchestra Prof. Peter Morris, Conductor Concert Master Jethro Caitens
E flat Clarinet Gabrielle Thompson*
Piccolo Laura Skorzewski*
Clarinet Jethro Caitens* Jack Goves Jasmine Douglas Yi-Shan Wang Bianca Guse^
Flute Amy Tashjian Adeline Cassidy Nathan Smith Sho Yamada Oboe Liam Robinson * Lucinda Turunen Cor Anglais Logan Nutley Bassoon Ethan Henke* Georgina Sinclair Contrabassoon Andy Dai
Bass Clarinet Hugo Partida* Alto Saxophone Ella Bowmer* Tenor Saxophone Angus Bryer* Isaac Bell Baritone Saxophone Max Bryant* *Principal ^Guest
Conservatorium Wind Orchestra (cont’d) French Horn Alysia-Rose Booth* Cecillia Cason Noah Vanderent Ava Gall James Rourke
Tuba Sebastian Young-Florence * Ryan Collier
Trumpet Mitchell Stewart* Lorenzo McPherson Caleb Dawe Charlie Crocker Leah Jones Mac Gynther Camillo Lanzafame
Percussion Selina Tingyue Zheng* Sana Rane Holly Tate Jack Gilberston Bodie Alizzi Jack Cupples Christian Lanzafame
Trombone Olive Whalen* Samuel Macdonald Anna Mulligan* Ascher Eisenreich
Piano Carina Weder
Bass Trombone Elliott Sternberg*
Double Bass Hilary Davis* Luke Thompson
Euphonium Joshua Sephton* Shonnae Mcintyre Sebastian Murphy
Timpani Hunter Burgess*
Celesta Artemii Safonov
*Principal
Eltham High School Symphonic Band Rick Keenan, Conductor
Over many years, the Eltham High School Symphonic Band has built a prestigious reputation both locally and internationally. Highlights include performing at the Midwest Clinic, Chicago in 1997 and presenting two Education Clinics in 2014. The ensemble’s tradition of international touring has encompassed performances across Hawaii, the United States, China and Japan. In 1997, the Eltham High School Symphonic Band made history as the first Australian school band to perform at the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago. These experiences have included cultural and educational exchanges and collaborations with leading conductors, composers, ensembles and educators from around the world.
EHS Symphonyic Band (cont’d) Each year the program commissions new works to contribute to the depth of Australian Wind Ensemble repertoire, reflecting the lived experiences of young musicians. Recently, the musicians had the privilege of working with Dr. Jaclyn Hartenberger, Conductor of the University of Melbourne Wind Symphony, at their annual Music Camp. Tonight, we are very fortunate to share the stage with the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University Wind Orchestra. We thank Professor Peter Morris and the ensemble for sharing their valuable expertise with our musicians.
Eltham High School Symphonic Band Flute 1 Phoebe Geange-Phipps Ruby Bennett* Isla Marshall Flute 2 Holly Nicholls Matthew Thorn Dylan Pang Piccolo Isla Marshall Oboe Jake Wilson* Hannah Bozik Clarinet Jasper Geddes Kate McRae* Ivy Simpson Evelyn Grawe Marlie Chamberlain# Daniel Powell# Naomi Dique Eva Chapman Taiya Lamaro Bass Clarinet Cameron Tinker Oscar Eccleston*
Bassoon Adam Grandage Raf Arnolda Soprano Saxophone Kyhan Douglas-Dwyer* Alto Saxophone 1 Kyhan Douglas-Dwyer* Max Wendler Alto Saxophone 2 James Preece Tenor Saxophone Clancy Widdup Blake McCluskey Baritone Saxophone Sam McAlister Ryan Wynd Annabelle Lowe French Horn Belle Griffith* Aleyna Seker Cameron Williams^ # Band Leader * Section Leader ^ Staff
EHS Symphonic Band (cont’d) Trumpet Odin Rizzo* Campbell Rose Noah Hayford Eve Chamberlain Trombone 1 Wolfgang Aouad* Quill Veldman Trombone 2 Meg Harris Alex Hamilton Rhodri Whelan Bass Trombone Charlie Fox Euphonium Cameron Thorn* Spike Santin
Tuba Osian Taylor Finnlay Hansen^ Percussion Isaac Bland* Jayden Parker-Hill* Indi Lamaro Greta Yuen Maddison Carter^ Brandon Waterworth^ Piano Holly Nicholls Electric Guitar James Preece Blake McCluskey # Band Leader * Section Leader ^ Staff
Young Conservatorium Students Stefanie Smith, Conductor Flute Bianca Guse Ash Taylor Clarinet Dominic Fern Briana Watters Saxophone Henry Thomas (alto) Suraya Elshemy (tenor)
Trumpet Max Ward Tuba Jasmine de Kretser Percussion Archie Parker
Saxophone Feature QCGU - Martin Kay, Conductor
Tenor Sam Guppy Bradley Boag-Hodgson Baritone Andy Dai* Michael Ganderton*
Soprano Ella Bowmer* Angus Bryer* Alto Isaac Bell* Jaryn Oliphant
University of QLD Emma Di Marco, Conductor
Soprano James Topping Xiang Shen Alto Blake Maiden Lee Crawford-Raby Jonathan Sayer Woraprach Kachanan Ayden Fell Juliana Zumbo CC Chan Callum Francis Sophie Chambers Ava Cherry
Tenor Will Hehir* Abby Holmes Sam Guppy* James Brough Dan Miller Lara Christ Baritone Sam Long Lily Maughan Bass Daniel Hill Lincoln Rowe
Young Conservatorium Stefanie Smith, Conductor Tenor Suraya Elshemy Samuel Anderson Baritone Thomas O'Brien Alexander Connell
Alto Henry Thomas Olivia Ekert Violet Lock
Eltham HS Brent Mills, Conductor (All saxes in ensemble list)
* Member of featured Septet (Tower of Flower)
Conductors Professor Peter Morris Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra Professor Peter Morris is the Deputy Director (Performance and Partnerships) at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. He is Head of Ensembles and leads the orchestral conducting program and is a resident conductor of the Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Musical Theatre pit orchestras and other interesting ensemble projects that arise. Complementing his academic work, Peter is active professionally as a conductor for large-scale cultural projects, recording sessions for local film and TV and crossgenre events. He often works with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Southern Cross Symphony for contemporary projects, featuring collaborations with film, electronic music and new technologies. He’s been enjoying conducting large touring events and touring shows such as the national tour of Russell Morris: The Real Thing, Kate Ceberano’s My Life is a Symphony, the Beatles’ All You Need is Love, and films such as The Man From Snowy River and Back to the Future in concert. Peter is an advocate for commissioning new works and reimagining musical structures and has an enthusiasm for exploring exciting collaborations to create performances that matter.
Mr Rick Keenan Eltham High School (Victoria) Since 2012, Rick has been Director of Music at Eltham High School, inheriting one of Australia’s leading school wind ensemble programs. Highlights include performances at the Royal South Street Eisteddfod, a 2014 USA tour with the United States Air Force Band and Brooklyn Wind Symphony, the Midwest Clinic, and a 2017 Japan tour collaborating with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and Osaka University of Music. Rick is passionate about commissioning Australian music and believes that repertoire selection is one of the most important responsibilities in music education. Through the repertoire, he seeks to connect students with diverse musical voices, perspectives and experiences while developing creativity, curiosity and connection. As a Conductor and Educator, Rick has been fortunate to be influenced by many conductors, composers and educators throughout his career, including Bob Hower, Dr. Dale Lonis, Dr. Ingrid Martin, Jeffrey A. Spenner, Mark Bain and Ross Irwin. These experiences continue to shape his approach to conducting, teaching and musical collaboration. Rick’s wife, Kass, is a perioperative nurse at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and has served in humanitarian medical work across South Sudan, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Gaza, the West Bank, and Pakistan. Her work has shaped his view of service and life in ways that extend far beyond music. They have two sons, Charlie and Finn.
Featured Composer Roscoe James Irwin - The Light They Carry Roscoe James Irwin is one of Australia's most respected composers, arrangers, orchestrators, and performers. Renowned for his ability to blend contemporary and orchestral styles, he has collaborated with many of Australia's leading artists, including Paul Kelly, Passenger, Angus & Julia Stone, Vance Joy, Megan Washington, Thelma Plum, Jet, Chet Faker, Kate Ceberano, The Paper Kites, and The Cat Empire, with whom he has toured internationally for more than two decades. Ross has created orchestral projects for Australia's major symphony orchestras, including collaborations with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and Queensland Symphony Orchestra. His orchestral and arranging credits include My Life Is a Symphony with Kate Ceberano and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Spinifex Gum with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and music for the acclaimed feature film Late Night with the Devil. His distinctive voice, exceptional craftsmanship, and emotional storytelling make him uniquely suited to bring The Light They Carry to life.
Featured Artists Rory Kelly - Saxophone (Omnifenix) Rory Kelly is a multi-instrumental talent from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. He has honed his performing and playing skills since he was a kid touring around Europe, playing Bodhrán with award-winning Irish band The Barleyshakes. Now under the guidance of prestigious saxophonist and composer Martin Kay at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, he is honing his craft of the versatile wind instrument. He has already put his learning to the test in his performances at various venues and festivals around the country in a meld of Jazz, traditional Irish, classical, rock and contemporary genres with numerous bands and ensembles. This experience includes several years with the Conservatorium Wind Orchestra, playing soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophone under the baton of Peter Morris. Rory’s versatility is well known amongst the Queensland music scene and is complemented by his infectious charisma, making him a highly sought-after collaborator and performer.
Featured Artists Matthew McDonald - Drum Kit (Omnifenix) Matthew McDonald is a jazz drummer and percussionist currently completing a Bachelor of Music (Performance) at the Queensland Conservatorium. While jazz is his focus, he performs across a range of styles including jazz, classical, pop, fusion and indie rock. Under the mentorship of Dr Kent Windress and Paul Hudson, Matthew is developing various technical abilities while eagerly exploring genres and music from around the world, primarily focusing on Afro-Cuban music. Matthew has toured with acts and supported major Australian artists, including Jimmy Barnes, Daryl Braithwaite, Ian Moss and Thirsty Merc. These experiences each propelling him forward in his goal of diversification and adaptability on the drums. He has played percussion with the Queensland Conservatorium Wind Orchestra since 2025 and previous to that was principal percussionist of the South East Queensland Symphonic Winds. In his spare time, he enjoys the scenic Shorncliffe Pier and perfecting his golf game.
Featured Artists Maddison Carter - Percussion (Run to the Light) Maddison Carter is a Melbourne-based drummer, percussionist, vibraphonist and composer whose work spans jazz, improvisation, pop, rock, folk, contemporary classical and experimental music. Renowned for his rhythmic imagination and textural nuance, Carter is a highly versatile musician and recording artist whose performances and studio credits reflect a broad stylistic fluency. Carter is completing a Master of Music (Research), examining the use of polytempo in contemporary jazz composition and performance. His research centres on Polymorphic - in which he performs on both drum kit and vibraphone - and extends into orchestral contexts, investigating how layered temporal systems can function across ensemble types while remaining responsive to improvisation.
Featured Artists Brandon Waterworth - Percussion (Run to the Light) Brandon Waterworth began his musical journey at Eltham High School in 2010, where he quickly became involved in performances which included tours across Australia and the United States. He later studied at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, graduating with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) and a Master of Music (Performance Teaching) and was awarded the Wright Prize for his outstanding contributions in 2017. In 2021, Brandon joined Royal Australian Navy Band as a full-time musician and has performed in both concert and ceremonial settings as well as community outreach programs. Brandon is an active freelance performer and educator, having performed with artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Silvie Paladino, and James Morrison. Through his involvement with The Salvation Army, he has also performed throughout Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, including a solo appearance at Birmingham Symphony Hall.
Upcoming events Compassion Friday, September 4 (7:30pm) Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra Kelly Lovelady, Conductor Nigel Westlake & Lior: Compassion Cathy Milliken: Þingvellir Adrew Udal: Fragility Sam Wu: Aerial Silk Roads Conservatorium Theatre
Tenzin Choegyal - Be The Sky Monday, September 7 (7:30pm) Conservatorium Chorus, String Orchestra & faculty guests by Philip Glass (USA) & Tenzin Choegyal (Tibet) Co-Production with Brisbane Festival Conservatorium Theatre
Brisbane, Cheryomushki Tue-Sat, September 22-26 Conservatorium Opera Production Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra Richard Mills, Conductor Conservatorium Theatre
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Conservatorium Staff Director Professor Vanessa Tomlinson Deputy Director (Learning and Teaching) Associate Professor Donna Weston Deputy Director (Research) Dr Brydie-Leigh Bartleet Deputy Director (Performance and Partnerships) Professor Peter Morris Head of Strings Associate Professor Michelle Walsh Head of Woodwinds Associate Professor Tim Munro
Conservatorium Manager Stuart Jones Front of House Operations Manager Michael Hibbard Executive Officer (Engagement) Dr Natalie Lewandowski-Cox Orchestra Manager Daniel Fossi Val Yip (assistant) Operations Administrator Tim Tate Technical Officers Keith Clark, Ben Gibson, Amy Hauser, Len McPherson
Head of Brass Dr Ben Marks
Venue Officers Joshua White, Brendan Cardiff, Chloe Forbes
Head of Percussion Rebecca Lloyd-Jones
Administration Officer Liz Tyson-Doneley
Head of Keyboard Associate Professor Daniel De Borah
Special thanks to Queensland Conservatorium supporters and donors. Philanthropy plays a vital role at Queensland Conservatorium. Only through your support can our students experience valuable learning opportunities through productions such as this one. To invest in the future of music and performance in Queensland, contact us on +61 (0)7 5552 7218 or email giving@griffith.edu.au
CRICOS: 00233E | TEQSA: PRV12076
Special thanks
Queensland Conservatorium thanks our generous donors and supporters. We would like to acknowledge our instrument bank donors supporting the students in tonight’s performance.
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Qldcon QldCon_Griffith Qldcon QueenslandConservatorium Correct at time of publication.