From stages around the world, flautist Ana de la Vega has been sharing her passion for classical music, and she now brings that passion to Canberra in her role as Artistic Director of the brand new Snow Concert Hall. The musician features in the inaugural event with the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra on Saturday 20 May. CW caught up with Ms de la Vega to talk classical music, inspiration and the flute.

1. Tell us about the Snow Concert Hall.
 

Snow Concert Hall is an acoustically-tuned, state-of-the-art, 936-seat auditorium that has just opened its doors to the public for the very first time. As someone who has played in some of the greatest concert halls around the world, I can confidently say that Snow Concert Hall is world-class.

It has an amazing feeling both on stage and in the audience, and the acoustics are simply glorious. I’m excited to open the doors to our audience and showcase the best of Australian and international music.

2. What can we expect from the program you’ve created as Artistic Director?

Canberrans can expect to be treated to an exciting and varied program.

I’ll be playing alongside the sparkling Melbourne Chamber Orchestra on 20 May, performing Mozart, Barber and Vivaldi.

Legendary UK-Based Australian pianist Piers Lane will then spoil Canberra audiences with a program of treasures by piano composer giants Rachmaninov and Chopin on 29 June.

Then modern-day Louis Armstrong, Wynton Marsalis and the world’s greatest musicians from The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra are set to treat jazz lovers on 17-18 August. Followed by German violin virtuoso and third-generation of Europe’s most distinguished violin dynasty, Daniel Röhn who plays a concert of Golden 1920s gems with Australia’s famed and most celebrated pianist, Simon Tedeschi.

3. When did you fall in love with the flute?
 

I fell in love with the flute when I was very young, before I had ever even seen one!

I grew up in rural New South Wales, and my family wasn’t musical at all, but one day I heard Mozart over the radio and was completely captivated by its magic. From that moment, I knew that I wanted to make music my life.

Now, as someone who has been lucky enough to experience the transporting beauty and power of classical music all around the world, I’m passionate about introducing that magic to other young Australians.

4. What are some career highlights for you so far?
 

I’ve been fortunate enough to travel and play the flute on some of the greatest stages in the world. Some recent highlights include playing with the Prague Symphony Orchestra in Munich’s Great Hall, and performing at the Berliner Philharmonie with the German Chamber Orchestra.

However, I’m particularly excited about my role as Artistic Director for the Snow Concert Hall series, where I can bring big names to Canberra and showcase some amazing talent.

5. What’s next?
 

I’m looking forward to performing with the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra as part of the inaugural International Series on 20 May. After that, I’m performing in New Zealand and Germany, and then will start working on the next series to launch at the Snow Concert Hall!

Keep up to date with the performances at Canberra’s newest music hotspot, the Snow Concert Hall, via snowconcerthall.com

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