At Home with Alison Mitchell

You may not be able to see them performing on stage, but while our musicians are at home they’re sharing an insight into their daily lives in isolation. Meet Section Principal Flute Alison Mitchell!

#Hello!

Greetings from Annerley and my home studio where, for the moment, all my music-making is happening! Although, it is incredibly sad that we’re not performing just now, the importance of health and wellbeing for everyone is paramount. It has been both exciting and challenging to be imaginative and ‘think outside the box’ in order to continue to be creative at this time.

#On the music stand

I’m in the process of developing some flute tutorials to send out to regional music teachers and preparing some solo and ensemble works to record in the future. The current restrictions have impacted our ability to bring music to Queensland’s regional areas which is such a fulfilling and important part of our remit as the Orchestra For Everyone. We would normally be able to give the students tips and advice in person so I hope my series of tutorials covering many areas of playing such as tone, breathing, posture and articulation to name a few, will be helpful to both teachers and students in their lessons.

#In the garden

You will hopefully have tuned into the Orchestra Over the Fence videos that our leader Warwick and I recorded. We filmed a few in my backyard which is a work in progress as my husband John and I only moved in five months ago. I hope to add Australian native plants and make the small garden area a place to relax in and enjoy.

#Some at-home tasks

Our enforced time off from orchestral life has been an opportunity for me to get some tasks done that I’ve been putting off for ages (tax, urgh!). Once they’re done I’m looking forward to doing some beading and jewellery making. This is an on/off hobby I’ve been doing for years. I have just sorted out my bead stock and have a dedicated work space so there is no excuse and hopefully I’ll be inspired to design some new creations.

#On the book shelf

I am also very lucky to have a good source of discounted books on hand as my sister is in the book trade in Melbourne. I love crime novels and most recently I have read excellent books from Australian author Emma Viskic (a former clarinettist) and Scottish author Denzil Meyrick. They definitely keep you in suspense until the end.

#This sunset!

I couldn’t resist this sunset view from my practice room at home today!

I hope you are enjoying Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s online content as we are very keen to keep you up to date with our activities. Stay safe and healthy and we look forward so much to seeing you again in the concert hall setting as soon as is feasibly possible. My very best wishes to you all.

Alan Symons supports Alison through the Music Chair program.