Melbourne musician Pippa Andrew had been looking to develop her conducting skills with a choral group able to perform larger classical works.
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So Murray Conservatorium Choir’s advertisement for a new director certainly caught her attention.
Andrew began her new role a few weeks ago, with the choir exploring European and British motets.
“They’re taking really well to the repertoire, we’ve got some really, really beautiful material in there, ranging from Renaissance to modern works,” she said.
“Lots of delicious harmonies and beautiful phrases.”
Growing up in Manchester, Andrew studied at the Leeds College of Music and arrived in Australia more than four years ago.
“I originally came here with a plan to travel and busk and I did that for a while and I really loved Melbourne and somehow I’m still here,” she said.
A soprano and viola player, Andrew conducts a training group with Australian Children’s Choir and has toured with Australian Chamber Choir.
She takes over Murray Conservatorium Choir after American Jeff Mosher’s six-month stint.
“I love working within a group,” she said.
“As a soloist you do a lot of work by yourself in a practice room and so for me personally it’s a really wonderful thing to have a balance between those two things.”
Andrew said new members were always welcome to join the choir, which rehearsed on Monday evenings during school terms.
“They are very keen to include and invite younger people to experience choral music and how amazing that can be,” she said.
“I’m just hoping to continue and grow the good work that they’ve already established.”
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