Huge honour
for young cellist
Talented young cellist William Muir (Year 13) says it was ‘incredible’ to be chosen to perform with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in early July. “It was a massive learning experience and huge thrill to play with the most advanced orchestra in New Zealand, and to work with one of the best conductors in the world, Sir Andrew Davis.”
William delivering a speech at Parliament as the Youth Parliamentarian for Ilam.
William was one of only five, U18s selected to be part of a group of 50 of the most promising musicians from the National Youth Orchestra to perform Illuminations, by French composer Messiaen alongside 77 senior members of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. “It is a rarely-performed, high modern piece of music, which requires 127 musicians. It was great to have the support of the senior cellists during rehearsals, who taught me so much about how an orchestra works and fits together to sound incredible.” Performances by the combined orchestra at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington and Aotea Centre in Auckland were very well received. “It was an incredible high. I had such a post concert rush.” William started playing the cello when he was eight years old and remains ‘very passionate’ about classical music. He achieved exam success in ATCL and LTCL at a young age, and has been selected for the National Youth Orchestra three times. In Year 12 William passed Scholarship Music, but because he was already a year ahead academically, was the same age as Year 11 students when he achieved this milestone. “I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from the teachers in the Music Department at St Andrew’s who have helped me to achieve my goals.”
Cellist William Muir (Y13) with renowned conductor Sir Andrew Davis after performing Illuminations with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in Auckland in July.
William formed a successful chamber trio, which this year made it through to the national finals of the National Chamber Music Contest. He is also an accomplished solo performer, who has performed with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, and at various private and charity events. Although William intends to read History and Politics rather than pursue a solo cellist’s career next year, he still has ambitions to play in an orchestra. “My experience with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra has given me clarity that I do want to continue on with music and would definitely love to play in a similar level orchestra in future.” William recently finished his tenure as Ilam’s Youth Parliamentarian, which saw him complete an internship at Minister Gerry Brownlee’s electorate office, write and distribute a survey on cycleways, and debate at Parliament, where he was elected Chair of his Select Committee.
Chamber trio astounds The Herzog Klaviertrio of William Muir and Finn van Dorsser (both Year 13) together with Selena Sun from Burnside High School performed incredibly well to be one of six groups selected for the national final of the New Zealand Community Trust Chamber Music Contest. This is an exceptional achievement given nearly 500 groups from all around New Zealand competed. Although the trio didn’t win the top prize, it was awarded the Joan Kerr Gold Award for being among the six national finalists, which included a small cash prize. The Herzogs had won their way through to the national semi-finals after performing well in the district and regional competition, where the adjudicators praised the trio’s ‘expressive, enthusiastic performance’, presenting them a Bronze award (the second year running for William Muir).
The Herzog Klaviertrio, Finn van Dorsser (Y13), William Muir (Y13) and Selena Sun (Burnside High School).
To reach the pinnacle of national schools’ chamber music performance is testament to the ability and hard work of the trio and their principal tutor, Tim Emerson. He has worked with the students since the beginning of the year, refining musical and technical details to help them achieve this superb accomplishment.