This month, the TSO’s Brass and Percussion sections return to two of Tasmania’s most atmospheric churches for a program that moves from delicate, lyrical writing to music that builds into a full wall of sound.
You’ll hear familiar orchestral favourites reimagined for brass and percussion, with the acoustics of St David’s Cathedral and St John’s Church adding another dimension to the experience.
As Principal Third Horn Claudia Leggett puts it: 'When we play our brass and percussion concerts in the cathedral, the room is the other half of our instrument.'
So, who are some of the musicians making all that sound?
David Robins – Principal Trombone
David joined the TSO in 2013 and became Principal Trombone in 2021, following a career that has taken him from Queensland to the UK and across Australian orchestras. ‘Every now and then I have to stop in the midst of a rehearsal and look around and remind myself that I really get to do this. And I just think "‘Far out – this is pretty amazing",’ Dave recently told TasWeekend magazine.
Did you know? Before orchestral life, David served six years in the Australian Army and worked as a farm hand on a 5000-acre cattle property. On the way to the concert hall he enjoys listening to heavy metal, to get his energy levels up! Read more about David.
Claudia Leggett – Principal Third Horn
Claudia joined the TSO after winning her position while a Sydney Symphony Orchestra Horn Fellow in 2022. She has also performed with major orchestras across Australia and New Zealand.
Did you know? Claudia is a founding member of Tasmanian chamber group Apple Isle Brass and is currently completing a diploma in remedial massage. Her pre-concert preparation includes the Alexander technique to get both body and mind ready to play. Read more about Claudia.
Matthew Goddard – Principal Timpani
Matthew has been the TSO’s Principal Timpani since 1999, after studying at the Victorian College of the Arts and performing with Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa in Japan.
Did you know? His first job was in a bank. ‘It took me a while to realise that orchestral music was something that I wanted to pursue for a career,’ Matt says.
These days, when he’s not behind the timpani, you might find him fly-fishing or making music in his home studio. He is also a member of the TSO Board. Read more about Matt.
Roger Jackson – Tutti Horn
Roger first picked up the French horn at primary school after volunteering to play it – despite having no idea what a French horn actually was.
Did you know? A simple aural test won him one of the prized instruments at school. ‘Due to my diminutive size, I was given a relatively new instrument in a case with plush red velvet lining. I was the envy of the others,’ he recalls. Away from music, Roger is a keen cyclist and sailor. Read more about Roger.
Rachel Kelly – Principal Tuba
Rachel joined the TSO as Principal Tuba in 2024, after performing with orchestras around Australia and New Zealand. She studied at the Queensland Conservatorium and Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM).
Did you know? Rachel is also a tap and jazz dancer, and regularly returns to Brisbane to perform with a group called The Boxties. Read more about Rachel.
See them this month at Brass in St David’s, Hobart, and Brass in St John’s, Launceston.
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