MetSO's Ann Bray
MetSO Ann Bray
What instrument do you play with the MetSO?
Violin.
Why do you play the violin?
I was selected at primary school (via singing and ear tests) to join a wonderful free music program - where I was given a violin, free lessons from Adelaide Symphony (ASO) violinist Mrs Robyn Hanna, and played in the Mitcham “Demonstration” School orchestra. Given there wasn’t a piano in our home (Dad whistled), it was an amazing and life altering opportunity.
Do you play any other instruments?
Baroque recorder and electric violin.
How many years have you played with MetSO?
I am new to the MetSO having joined in August 2018.
Prior to that I played in another of Perth’s wonderful community orchestras, The South Side Symphony (SSSO).
How do you support your musical life?
Initially via Computer Science/IT.
Favourite 3 composers of all time?
Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Brahms
Favourite 20th Century composers?
Prokofiev, Gershwin, John Williams
Favourite Australian composers?
Larry Sitsky, Peter Sculthorpe, Graeme Koehne
Favourite Western Australian composers?
Wafi Zainal, Suzanne Kosowitz, James Ledger
Favourite MetSO moment?
Being part of the MetSO when Shuan Hern Lee played Rach 3, conducted by Raymond Yong.
Favourite scale?
G diminished seventh.
Best practice tip?
Break your daily practice into sessions of no more than 40 minutes at a time, and then do some stretches or tai chi in-between.
What is the oddest thing we would find in your instrument case?
Tasmanian rosin.
What is your most useful bit of kit in your instrument case?
My ultra-light Arcus carbon fibre violin bow.
Best violin tip in general?
Watch Twoset Violin on YouTube - Practise, Practise Practise.
When do you like to listen to music?
I don’t listen a great deal, I prefer to sing and play music in my head whilst working. If I am listening to something then I like to stop everything else, so I can really absorb and study it.
What is a secret about you.
I can’t listen to music whilst driving, it is too distracting.
What musicians inspire you most and why?
Itzhak Perlman for his playing, great warmth, and generosity of spirit.
Ray Chen for being a great young Aussie player, and his wonderful arrangement of “Waltzing Matilda” for string quartet.
All of our fantastic MetSO Young Artists.
My Dad for his happy whistling - that instilled love of life and music.
What music will get you moving?
All kinds of music, dance your way through the house work.
Who has provided you with the most support in your musical life?
My Mum, my sister and my wonderful husband.
What makes you the happiest in your musical life?
Singing and playing as much as I can.