'An absolute treasure of an orchestra':
Genevieve Lang on the TSO's 'incredible contribution' to Australia's cultural landscape
27 September 2024. Written by Sally Glaetzer.
Well known broadcaster and classical musician Genevieve Lang is in Hobart for this weekend’s Rejoice in Voice performance by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and TSO Chorus.
While it’s her voice that’s most often heard on radio and television these days, Genevieve is also a harpist who spent many years with the TSO and has performed as a soloist with orchestras around Australia.
We caught up with this multi-talented writer and music educator to find out what she misses most about Tassie and what’s on her playlist.
Genevieve, we’re thrilled to have you back at the TSO, albeit in the ABC broadcasting studio instead of on stage! What do you enjoy most about returning to Tasmania?
I have such fond memories of my time as Guest Principal Harp with the TSO.
I made some of my best friends during my eight years in the orchestra.
I can’t wait to reconnect with everyone, breathe deeply in the clean air of Tassie, and enjoy lots of tasty treats from Salamanca markets!
What are your Tassie tips for first-time visitors?
The walk out to the Cape Raoul lookout on the Tasman Peninsula was always one of my favourite day trips from Hobart.
Mt Field in the winter to stomp in the snow was another favourite.
And I made some great memories camping and climbing at Freycinet with friends.
How would you describe the importance of the TSO as a broadcast and recording partner?
The TSO has made an incredible contribution to shaping the Australian cultural landscape in so many ways: multiple recording projects of Australian and international repertoire, supporting the development of young composers and emerging conductors with various training programs.
It’s an absolute treasure of an orchestra.
Do you have a favourite music memory?
Many! Singing in the local eisteddfod in Fourth Grade (and winning) is one of my most enduring musical memories.
Experiences with the Australian Youth Orchestra helped determine the course of my life into the profession, first as an orchestral harpist, and later into the world of music administration and music journalism.
I simply would not be where I am today without the AYO.
Please describe a favourite recent concert experience.
I had the chance to hear the Sydney Symphony Orchestra perform an all-French program recently, which was absolutely fabulous.
They did a short work by Connesson, then Olivier Latry (titular organist from the Notre Dame) joined them for Poulenc’s Organ Concerto.
That was a piece that I loved from the first time I heard it, and to experience it from the audience, being played on the Grand Organ of the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall was something pretty special.
And what else would you program in the second half of a concert like that but Saint-Saens ‘Organ’ Symphony? Fabulous concert from start to finish! Latry played two encores and brought forth sounds from the organ that I’d never even heard before.
What’s on your playlist at the moment?
Right now, Part’s Spiegel im Spiegel is on high rotation in my household at bedtime, to help the kids get off to sleep.
Daylight listening includes an eclectic mix of Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Billy Jean, plus Tim Minchin’s original songs for the musical Matilda.
And lots and lots of Proms concerts on ABC Classic.
UPDATE: Listen back to the TSO's Rejoice in Voice broadcast on ABC Classic with Genevieve Lang, featuring the full Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra concert on 28 September 2024 and interviews with world-renowned choral conductor Simon Halsey, TSO Chorusmaster Warren Trevelyan-Jones and others.
Featuring stunning choral works by Mozart and Haydn, performed by the TSO Chorus, soprano Rachelle Durkin, mezzo-soprano Sian Sharp, tenor Andrew Goodwin and baritone Samuel Dundas.
Experience the TSO in person at one of our upcoming concerts.
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