Rachael’s life in music
Twenty-eight-year-old violinist Rachael Kwa is making a name for herself in the competitive world of classical music. The Orange local is currently one of a select group of musicians training at the Australian National Academy of Music; the nation’s only professional performance training institute and one of just a handful worldwide.
Orange City Life recently caught-up with Rachael, returning home last weekend for a solo recital at Orange Uniting Church, as part of a concert series being promoted by Carmen Nieves and Jay Byrnes’ Alianza Music Management.
Did you always want to be a musician?
I could read music before I could read words. My Dad comes from a musical family, so there wasn't any question that I would play; he plays double-bass and I also did piano for many years. I didn’t really realise it was something you could do professionally, until I did some programs with the Australian Youth Orchestra. I was always aiming to study law, but I had so much fun in the program, that I changed my UAC (University placement) preferences from law to music.
What was it like to be an aspiring musician here in Orange?
I had really supportive teachers here, Lorraine Moxey and Anne Stevens, and they taught me to really enjoy the music. In Sydney, there are teachers who can teach you crazy-perfect technique, but at the same time there's a lot of pressure in that environment and I don't think I could have dealt with that at that young age. Growing-up in Orange, I was given the opportunity to explore music without that competitive pressure.
So how did you find studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music?
It actually took me seven years to finish my undergrad, because I ended up with an injury which meant it was really difficult to play and do the practical elements of the degree. It was pretty tough, because there is a stigma in the classical music industry towards injured players and I found it really hard to get gigs. I couldn't shake that, and it took more years on top of that to start being booked again.
And this is now your third year studying at the Australian National Academy of Music in Melbourne?
It is an elite performing school, so it is not a tertiary institution, they don't make you write essays or anything. It is more geared towards actually playing and performing. In the year I started, they only took three violinists, so it is very tailored and they keep the cohorts small so that you get lots of attention.
How does it feel being able to return to your hometown as a professional musician?
I am really grateful to Carmen and Jay for the opportunity and it just feels really nice to see a lot of familiar faces in the audience.There is a really welcoming and supportive feeling when you are on stage and you know that the people are really rooting for you when you are playing. It’s also really great to see musicians making their careers work in Orange as well. It makes me feel more optimistic about my own future and what I can do with music.
Where do you see your future with music?
To be honest I don't really know; it is so competitive. I am actually starting a Law degree this year to feel I have something stable to fall back on. I know that doesn't sound very optimistic, but I think COVID has made me re-evaluate some things. I still really want to play, I still love it and really like being in front of an audience, but waiting for someone to retire for a job opening, then also happening to be the person who plays the best on that day… there’s no guarantees. It was a nice surprise to be asked to play this concert in Orange and there might be some other nice surprises on the way.
Rachael will be returning in April for the Orange Chamber Music Festival. She will be joined by American harpist Emily Granger, for a recital at the Canobolas Dance Hall.
Photo: Aisleen Moxey