Inspiring Women
08.03.2022
The 8th of March, 2022 is International Women’s Day. Today and everyday we celebrate the amazing women that make up WASO, both on and off the stage.
To celebrate, we asked members of WASO to tell us about a woman that inspired their career in music.
Semra Lee-Smith, Assistant Concertmaster
My mother is the reason I play the violin. She is an incredible violin teacher and she started teaching me when I was three. She is the most resourceful, creative and resilient person I know. She is my hero, my mentor and my inspiration.
Jen Winley, 2022 Assistant Conductor
There have been two women in particular that influenced my music career. The first is former MSO timpanist Christine Turpin. As a budding timpanist, I moved to Melbourne from Perth to study with Chris. She was (and still is) a formidable musician and was my size! (I’m 5’3). She taught me how to get the same if not more power and sound from our smaller frames than the big guys and remains a total inspiration. The second is my conducting teacher, UK conductor Alice Farnham. She has taught me to be fearless, expressive, and powerful on the podium and I am forever grateful for her work in advocating for the development of women conductors all around the world.
Akiko Miyazawa, Violin
My mother. She has given me all the opportunities for essential music educations not only violin lessons, but piano, singing, theory and general knowledge. She took me to a lot of concerts, master courses and gave me support to study overseas. She always encouraged me and challenged me to work hard, that, I am grateful to have in my life.
Jenna Smith, Associate Principal Trumpet
Sarah Butler (former Principal Trumpet of Queensland Symphony Orchestra) inspired me to pursue a career in music. She is confident, kind and bold; these things make her a magnificent musician and encourage me in my career.
Rachael Kirk, Viola
My mum has supported and inspired me throughout my music career. She encouraged my early efforts on the recorder and violin, driving me to lessons and enduring my practice. When I was eleven she suggested I switch to viola (her instrument) because there were so few violas in the local youth orchestra. The rest is history . . .