“Camerata’s Upbeat program is such a great opportunity to step into the professional world of music. It is a privilege to be selected to take part in this program this year as I know it will equip me and enlighten me to the demands of the industry and will help me to establish myself as an artist.”

Meet Emilia Jarvela, one of Camerata’s 2023 Upbeat artists!

Emilia is a violinist and was born and raised in Brisbane. As a child, she remembers her brother playing the violin and, as a younger sibling, wanted to try whatever he was doing! She started taking lessons and quickly developed a strong interest for the instrument. She particularly loves the ability to express the music through her violin. 

Emilia was drawn to the artform because of the extent of emotion and depth that can be created and received from a piece of music, and its beautiful ability to communicate without the use of words. She recalls seriously wanting to pursue music when she joined Queensland’s Youth Orchestra. 

She was eager to apply to Camerata’s Upbeat program after some of her lecturers and some of her peers who participated recommended it to her. Knowing Camerata’s musicians were quality players, she knew she wanted to apply in order to “learn and be challenged” and found it was “a good way to get into the professional industry for performing”.  

She also knew of Camerata’s violinist Sally-Ann Djachenko since she was a child. Back in 1994, Sally-Ann was studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London when Emilia’s parents came to visit Sally-Ann and her husband, who knew of the couple from working together in Australia. They all went and saw “The Mousetrap” together, which, for the anecdote, was on at QPAC when Sally-Ann told us about this story. Emilia’s parents became friends of Sally-Ann and her husband, and visited her again while she was living in Finland. A surreal moment to now have their daughter Emilia play with Camerata! 

Emilia is very excited to be part of an unconducted orchestra as it means a lot to her to be able to make contributions to the ensemble and work together as part of a team. She says “I find this very valuable as it forms meaningful relationships and when it comes to performing, it brings a richer experience to the audience.” Emilia sees Camerata’s Upbeat program as a great opportunity to step into the professional world of music and feels privileged to have been selected to be part of this program, as it will “equip [her] and enlighten [her] to the demands of the industry and will help [her] to establish [her]self as an artist.”