This week’s episode will feature performances from clarinettist Kayla Hong and pianist Samuel Hill. Their programmes will feature works from composers including Paganini, Chaminade, and Vine. Continue reading to learn more about Kayla and Samuel.
Kayla Hong
Clarinettist
Kayla’s love for music drove her to embark on her music journey when she was five, picking up the piano as her first instrument. After migrating to Australia in 2020, she decided to take up the clarinet as a way to manage boredom during the unfortunate launch of the pandemic. It turned out to be the best decision of her life! Currently studying with Ian Morgan, her passion for the instrument grew instantly, enabling her to have the confidence to participate and win numerous prizes in various competitions and eisteddfods. In 2023, she was honoured to be awarded AMusA on the piano, as well as AMusA on the clarinet with distinction. Apart from solo performances, she also enjoys being part of chamber ensembles and orchestras, as they provide her with various opportunities to meet different people and learn different skills. In addition to music, she is a very keen runner and enjoy watching soccer and movies. Kayla perceives music as a way of handling stress and a form of relaxation, and she is determined to let music continue to be a part of my life, no matter what the future holds.
Kayla will perform:
- Louis Spohr: Clarinet Concerto No.2, 2nd Movement
- Niccolò Paganini: Caprice No.24
With associate artist Konrad Olszewski
Samuel Hill
Pianist
Samuel is a pianist and composer who recently completed his BMus in Performance at the Melbourne Conservatorium, under Glenn Riddle. With a particular interest in 20th Century and New Music, he floats between a number of musical worlds. You might find him collaborating with a classical violinist one day, a jazz trumpeter the next, and a metal guitarist the day after that!
His time at the MCM saw him work extensively alongside his classmates from the composition steam; helping premiere a wide range of their works in student-organised concerts. His ensemble experience—especially alongside singers—has spanned many genres and styles, including early music on period instruments, 17th–20th century Sacred music, and contemporary popular styles. During the pandemic, Samuel helped facilitate remote music collaborations, produced a radio play, and set up online spaces for creatives to connect and share their work.
Samuel’s recent creative explorations have sought to draw together his diverse influences: investigating uses for technology and improvisation in notated music, as well as re-imagining and re-contextualising material from the European Sacred canon. He plans to undertake his Honours year in 2024.
Samuel will perform:
- Cécile Chaminade: Automne from 6 Études de concert, Op.35
- Carl Vine: The Anne Landa PreludesI. Short Story
XII. Chorale
III. Thumper