Posted by Christie Parkin on 13/06/2017
At the beginning of this year I finally used my AIMES Award to help pay for my 'new' double bass. It is a fine old French instrument, made roughly 150 years ago. The privilege of owning something like it is often an unattainable dream for many musicians, so I will forever remain grateful to the North Harbour Club for their significant contribution.
It can be seen and heard in action here: https://youtu.be/RG_UO61_b2Q
This performance in many ways represents the fruits of my London labours: it is an original composition that I wrote for my final Masters project at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire. It is also very likely the first ever double bass concerto by a Kiwi composer, and I look forward to eventually performing a New Zealand premiere once I make it back to that side of the world.
In the meantime, London constantly offers more and more opportunities for musicians, and I intend to continue exploring these as much as possible!
Thanks and best wishes,
Alex Verster
