Ahead of Romantic Titans, we caught up with WollCon alumni and violinist Matthew Tsalidis to reflect on his time at the Conservatorium, his connection to the upcoming performance, and what audiences can expect.
What is your history with WollCon?
“I learnt violin from Scott (Taggart) for a solid amount of time! I studied with him for … I think it was 6 years?
I was also in the Bluescope Steel Youth Orchestra for about four years during that time, and was involved in chamber music at WollCon as well. I recall performing Mendelssohn’s D minor trio and Dvořák’s ‘American’ quartet.”
What are some of your most memorable experiences from your time here?
“I revelled in all of it, seriously! Though a particular highlight was the Spain tour in… I think it was 2007? I got to see so much of that beautiful country thanks to being involved in the orchestra!“
Where has music taken you since your time at WollCon?
“I went on to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, graduating with a Bachelor of Music (Performance), and now work professionally across a myriad of projects.“
What makes this upcoming concert particularly special for you?
“This concert (Romantic Titans) is special for a number of reasons, first and foremost that I get to perform such an incredible piece of standard repertoire in the soloist role – this is a rare opportunity.
I first started learning the Bruch concerto with Scott whilst at Wollongong Con, and there are so many things I still do fundamentally (both technically and musically) that stem from his instruction.”
How did this performance come about?
“I’d watched a film music concert the WollCon orchestra played, and really marvelled at how good community music is here in Wollongong.
Everyone I’ve met and spoken to in the orchestra is very friendly, which makes the experience a positive one off stage as well.
One of my violin students who plays in the orchestra floated the idea of me playing a concerto with the orchestra, so I threw some ideas out to Mikaela – and she went for the Bruch.”
What can audiences expect from the Bruch Violin Concerto?
“The great thing about the Bruch concerto is that it’s so palatable, even for a non-classical music listener.
The work is neither too short nor too long, and it has a healthy mix of virtuosic passages and melodies.”
Playing a concerto is such a rare opportunity, even if one has the chops to pull it off.
I’m so grateful to have this opportunity, and I hope it serves as a springboard to more solo engagements, of course!
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear Matthew Tsalidis return to WollCon as soloist in Romantic Titans – an evening of sweeping melodies, virtuosic brilliance, and breathtaking orchestral colour.
Under the baton of Mikaela Johnson, the Wollongong Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra will bring some of the Romantic era’s most beloved works to life, from the soaring lyricism of Bruch’s Violin Concerto in G minor to the timeless beauty of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite and the exhilarating energy of Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances.
Whether you are a long-time classical music lover or simply looking to experience the power of a live symphony orchestra, Romantic Titans promises an unforgettable evening of passion, drama, and musical storytelling.
Secure your tickets today and join us for this spectacular celebration of Romantic masterworks.
