We are delighted to announce that violist Gregory McNamara has joined Camerata as Artistic Associate. We could not be more excited to welcome such a great musician as Artistic Associate of Camerata.
“I couldn’t be happier joining Camerata as an artistic associate. Camerata is full of such wonderful people, all of whom are passionate musicians and incredible artists, and it’s a joy to create music with them. When I play viola, I play with energy and commitment to the music, and Camerata always shares this energy which is such an exciting thing! Playing with movement and gesture is part of what Camerata does best as we communicate across the stage with each other.“
As Artistic Associates, players contribute to the strategic direction of Camerata, are integral to the process of programming the season of works and provide performance and training opportunities for the next generation of Queensland artists through the Upbeat program.
Artistic Director and leader Brendan Joyce says “It’s rather exciting to think that our modestly sized organisation has grown in scope and activity and maintains a reputation for high standard so much so that it has become a point of attraction for players local players, as well as those from other places, or for the alumni of its own emerging artists program.”
“For the unconducted orchestra, it takes players who are willing to play with a fair degree of authority, while also being sensitive to the other colleagues, and there’s also the opportunity to put ideas forward and even to fight for them now and then.”
A vision that Gregory shares. He says “Without a conductor, we play with eyes up and hearts out, bouncing off each other’s movements and reacting to our interpretations. Brendan always does a fantastic job leading from the front, however we all contribute and are responsible for the music as we play through our movement and energy. It’s so exciting to be an artistic associate when every single person in this ensemble is so important. I couldn’t ask for a better bunch of people to be able to share this with!”
Gregory will be joining us for several projects this year, including our upcoming concert Camerata & Karin Schaupp: Serenade. He says “I’m particularly looking forward to the upcoming concert series in May with Karin Schaupp as I have played with Karin a handful of times and I love what she brings! She’s a fantastic guitarist and an awesome musician and with Camerata, it’s going to be astonishing!“
Camerata keeps growing thanks to our audiences, donors, and sponsors, and we are very proud and excited to offer such opportunities to Queensland-based talented artists.
