Fifty Years - for Band and Orchestra - John Spence

Fifty Years for large band and orchestra
Composed by John Spence
Commissioned by the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music as part of their fifty year anniversary celebration. The world premiere was held on the 11th of September 2022 and was performed on the Gleniffer Brae grounds and garden. The musicians on this recording are members of the Wollongong Conservatorium teaching staff.

"Fifty" Years was composed as a festive piece suitable for a group ensemble performance consisting of all the Conservatorium Staff. The intention was a 'coming together' of sorts, in a way not previously achieved. For this to be possible, the music would need to be not only original, diverse and common in a way for different types of musicians to come together. In practical terms, having the entire faculty together in one room to rehearse was going to be a never-before event.

With only a single rehearsal, the piece needed a way of holding everything together. There is a rhythmic thread that repeats throughout. It is a 5/4 rhythm designed to be easy to learn by using words. Although the themes are easy to learn, the piece itself exhibits all the features and feel of a commissioned art-music work. There is a repeating chorus that sits amidst developmental moments that draw out the individuality of each performer.

The piece was premiered on the 11th of September 2022 at the Wollongong Conservatorium fifty year festival. One inspiring feature was seeing the festival audience join in to clap the 5/4 rhythm. The performance was part of the festival activities and consisted not only of teaching staff but office staff took part as well. A one-off moment in time.

This video features photography of the festival event by Chilby Photography and video footage of the Gleniffer Brae house and garden.

Poetry:
Faith Issue Focus Theme Young
Yield Exact Avoid Raise Story

Musicians
Alex Masso - Drums
Chris Fields - Timbales
Abel Cross - Electric Bass
Callum Burns - Electric Guitar
Sako Dermenjian - Guitar
John Spence - Guitar/xylophone
Janet Andrews - Tambourine
Luke Tierney - Claves
Paul Spencer - Xylophone
Sonia Sozio - Piano
Scott Taggart - Violin
Cecilia Bersee - Violin
Miffy Ryan - Viola
Ching Wen Hsu - Cello
Ethan Ireland - Double Bass
Suzanne Cowan - Flute
Ilaria Ramirez - Clarinet
Hayden Burge - Bassoon
Eric Dunan - Trumpet
Dave Reglar - Tenor Sax
Des Cannings - Trombone
Trish Delaney Brown - Voice
Kirsten Jones - Voice
Kate Whitworth - Voice
Anna Robinson - Voice
Sydney Parker - Voice
Erin Mascord - Speaking Voice

A special thank you to Chilby Photography f0r their inspiring capture of the festival event.

Additional video footage by John Spence

A special thank you to the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music for making this composition and collaboration possible.

The Gleniffer Brae manor house featured in this video is located on the Wollongong Botanic Gardens site. For more information visit