The Wellington IRMTNZ Cello Day, held on August 31st at Wellesley College in Eastbourne, brought together a vibrant community of nearly 60 cellists ranging in age from students as young as 7 years old to adult musicians, supported by 16 dedicated tutors.
The excitement was palpable as participants started arriving early, eager for a full day of music and collaboration. The day kicked off with registration at 9:30 am, followed by a welcome and Karakia led by Robert Düssler. After an energizing icebreaker and warm-up session led by Brenton Veitch, all participants came together in the hall for a powerful Cello Choir session. The combined sound of so many cellists playing together was a highlight, setting a warm and inspiring tone for the day ahead.
After a break for morning tea, six expertly-led workshops offered tailored guidance in a variety of key areas:
Phrasing: Led by Jane Young, this workshop focused on enhancing musical expression through phrasing techniques.
Left Hand Technique: with Inbal Megiddo, participants refined their technical skills on the cello’s fingerboard.
Cello Posture: Brenton Veitch guided cellists on achieving proper posture for comfortable and efficient playing.
Making the Best Use of Practice Time: Eleanor shared tips on optimizing practice sessions for better results.
Mental Preparation: Caitlin Morris helped students understand the importance of mental readiness in performance.
These workshops ran in 20-minute rotations, allowing participants to experience multiple sessions and gain a well-rounded set of skills by lunchtime.
After a break for lunch, smaller ensemble groups reconvened to work on pieces they had prepared beforehand.
These ensembles were coached by experienced tutors Vicki Jones (Bach & Goltermann), Robert Ibell (“Second Star to the Right” & “Love Me Tender”), Eleanor Carter (“Eleanor Rigby” &
Moszkowski), Roger Brown (“Chanson Triste” & Bartok), Caitlin Morris (“Bare Necessities” & “Pavane”) and Alison Mullins (Edelweiss” & “Lijiang Scenery”)
Some very familiar tunes and the young cellists particularly loved playing the bare necessities. It was a wonderful opportunity for participants to experience (or improve their skills) playing in small ensemble groups.
Following ensemble rehearsals and a dress rehearsal, the much-anticipated afternoon tea was served
– offering time for rest and socializing before the concert.
The day culminated in a beautiful informal concert at 3:30 pm, where the cellists showcased the pieces
they had worked on throughout the day.
The hall was filled with the rich sound of cello music, and the audience, made up of families, friends, and fellow musicians, was moved by the performances. The cello choir in particular left a lasting impression with its powerful harmonies resonating deeply, even bringing some listeners to tears.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the dedicated Cello Day committee: Eleanor Carter, Vicki Jones, Robert
Düssler. Brenton Veitch, and Robert Ibell—whose meticulous planning made the event a resounding success.
The 2024 Cello Day was an enriching experience for all, filled with learning, music, and a strong sense of community.