What do you teach at the Con?
I direct the new Chamber Choir.
What genres do you teach?
My training is in Classical Voice, however I have performed and taught numerous genres over the years. My focus with the current WollCon Chamber Choir is to develop a group with a focus on choral blend and refinement, that we can make accessible to members of our Illawarra community.
What is it that you love about teaching music – particularly at Wollongong Conservatorium?
Teaching music is such a wonderful thing, I have the privilege of sharing my love and passion with other people. It is so rewarding to be able to see music through new eyes for every student and to watch them grow and develop.
Please share a particular career highlight and why it’s special to you.
I have always loved performing as a soloist for Oratorio, and my work with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra as the Baritone soloist in Fauré’s requiem has been a real highlight of my career.
I was proud to sing this gorgeous repertoire in front of thousands of people in Sydney and Melbourne.
What’s one piece of music that you’d recommend people listen to?
Morten Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium has always been a favourite choral work of mine. The dissonances and expansive orchestration make for intriguing yet immersive and relaxing music to listen to. Voces8 are an excellent example of choral blend and balance, and they are featured on this recording.
Photo of Hayden above by Keith Saunders.
