Meet the soloist: Gemma Vice performs Mike Mower's Flute Concerto

Gemma is a classical honours music performance student at the Elder Conservatorium. She completed her Bachelor of Music in 2022 studying flute with Elizabeth Koch AM, and is now learning from Kathryn Moorhead. Gemma has a range of experience as a performer; currently, she is an active member of the Adelaide Youth Orchestra and the Elder Conservatorium Symphony. This year, Gemma is also undertaking a fellowship with Recitals Australia. She has been awarded the 2021 Victor Edgeloe Scholarship for woodwind and was the winner of the 2022 Mrs Arno (May Gepp) Pontt Prize and the 2022 The Selborne Moutray Russell Prize. She recently achieved a distinction for her associate in music (AmusA) exam.

We asked Gemma a few questions ahead of her performance with the Elder Conservatorium Wind Orchestra this Sunday:

• Where are you from originally?  

I have lived in Adelaide all my life.

• How has your experience been studying at the Elder Conservatorium of Music so far?  

I have had a great experience at the Conservatorium and enjoy the wonderful culture and community here. I feel very fortunate to have had two wonderful teachers who have really inspired me - Liz Koch for most of my undergrad and Kathryn Moorhead for just over a year. It has also been great to have the opportunity to play in a variety of chamber and orchestral ensembles and learn from my colleagues and friends.

• What year are you in?  

I am in my Honours year.

• What is it like playing as a soloist with the Elder Conservatorium Symphony Wind Orchestra?

I spent the first couple of my university years playing with ECWO, so I have really enjoyed returning to play with ECWO this semester under the fantastic guidance of Bryan Griffiths. The Mike Mower concerto is a lot of fun to play and is an exciting, jazz-inspired work that is very different from the repertoire I usually play.

• What are your future plans as a musician? Will you study overseas?

Next year I will be staying in Adelaide to do teaching, but I also plan on exploring the possibility of further study overseas through a study tour. I am excited to further explore my passion for orchestral playing and my developing interest in chamber music for however this may take shape in the future.

• How did you start learning your instrument?  

In primary school we had a flute player visit our class. I remember how much I loved the sound of the instrument and knew if I ever got the chance that would be the instrument I would choose. I was fortunate that I was given this opportunity in school - but I had to learn how to play the recorder first!

Join us for the 'Joint Forces' concert on Sunday 15 October at 2:30pm to hear Gemma perform with the Elder Conservatorium Wind Orchestra. More details here.