Movement at Abbotsford Convent, home to ANAM musicians

The gathered musicians talk with gladness
while standing under a tree, listening well
for the sounds from one another:
here voicing anecdotes and observations,
there responding with humour and light-heartedness.
In this encounter with delight each one is
renewed for the practice that awaits.

Music is a communal celebration of beauty
wherein players are safe to explore
the spirit and emotion of their hearts.
I observe the joy of these student musicians
set free by melody and meaning.
I imagine a culture of apprenticeship
which empowers young soloists
to embrace the boldness that is their own.

Soon these musicians will walk on, their
quaver-feet moving to a syncopated rhythm,
conversation abounding with colour and light.

The Australian National Academy of Music website is here: https://anam.com.au