In 2022, The Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra commissioned and recorded 11 original works by alumni Ryley Gillen. The premiere performance was given on Saturday 10th December 2022 at the Nowra School of Arts.
In 2021, The Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra worked with Bundanon, Ensemble Offspring and composers Damian Barbeler, Alice Chance, Tristan Coelho, Amanda Cole, and Brenda Gifford to present original works at Bundanon.
South Coast Sketches (2022)
South Coast Sketches marks the Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra's first commissioned body of work.
The suite features ten pieces written specifically for the students of the Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra by alumni Ryley Gillen. The works depict local heroes and fictitious stories about the region.
The body of work was recorded at the Nowra School of Arts 19-20 November 2022; an intensive weekend of recording that brought together SYO's ensembles, alumni, past and current staff and local educators.
The work was possible thanks to the Sense of Place grant from the Shoalhaven Arts Board and the generous support of local donors and businesses, including Nowra Chemicals, Albatross Musical Theatre Company and the Shoalhaven City Concert Band.
The suite appears on a limited edition CD, titled "South Coast Sketches", and was performed for the first time on Saturday 10th December, Nowra School of Arts. The recording and premiere performance were conducted by guest conductor Nicholas Gentile.
A bonus track, "Beyond the Clouds", was included on the CD and premiered at the same concert. It was was written in celebration of the RAN's Fleet Air Arm (FAA) 75th Anniversary, 2022.
Sonic Sites (2021)
In 2021, The Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra worked with Bundanon, Ensemble Offspring and composers Damian Barbeler, Alice Chance, Tristan Coelho, Amanda Cole, and Brenda Gifford to present original works at Bundanon.
Learn more about this collaboration at Bundanon's Field Notes