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Spring Sounds performers (l-r) Xavier Cardozo, Elana Sydnham, Noah Peres, Emma Deed and Krys Cox (front)

Central Coast Conservatorium students take to the stage to boost children’s access to music education

Four Central Coast Conservatorium of Music students are coming together for a special concert to help give disadvantaged children around Australia better access to a music education.

The Spring Sounds concert has been organised by flautists Emma Deed and Elana Sydenham who asked their friends – bassoonist Xavier Cardozo and cellist Krys Cox – to join them. The concert is on Sunday 5 November, 2.30pm at Robert Knox Hall in Gosford and will raise money for the Australian Children’s Music Foundation.

All students are students at Central Coast Con and members of the Central Coast Youth Orchestra and NSW Regional Youth Orchestra. They will be performing a mixture of duets, solo performances and a quintet accompanied by Associate Artist Noah Peres on piano.

The idea behind the concert was to perform with friends while raising money for a worthy cause. “Our teacher, Rosalie Bourne, suggested it and I thought it was the perfect chance to challenge myself. I also liked the idea of showing people how great music is,” said Elana.

Emma said the event was also a great opportunity to see how a concert comes together behind the scenes. “It is also a great way of just getting to perform with my friends for a worthwhile cause,” said Emma. “Performing on stage with my friends is a great feeling. Even just rehearsing our group piece is fun with everyone putting forward their own ideas and style.”

When they decided which charity to dedicate their concert to, Emma and Elana knew they wanted to support a cause regarding music. “ACMF’s mission to help every child access quality music education is very important and we are thrilled to have supported this cause through our concert,” said Emma.

As part of the concert, Emma and Elana will be performing their award-winning flute duet Maya, by Ian Clarke, accompanied by Noah on piano. Their performance of Maya won the pair the 2023 Youth In Performing Arts Callaghan Family Scholarship earlier this year. This enabled the pair to attend and participate in the 2023 Australian Flute Festival in Sydney and they have also played together for the Lyrical Flute International Championships. 

Elana said audiences can expect a “fun and entertaining performance, and hopefully some glimpses of greatness!”

Cellist Krys said she was truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful charity concert. “It’s a special privilege to stand on stage with my cello and make music for the children,” said Krys.  “Every child is a future. I believe that music and art show people how beautiful our world is! The more people understand and appreciate music, the closer we get to truth, goodness, and beauty.”

Event Details

  • Spring Sounds Charity Concert
  • Sunday 5 November, 2.30pm
  • Robert Knox Hall, 45 Mann Street
  • Tickets: $25, Concs $15, www.trybooking.com/CLSLJ