Farewell Glenn Christensen

Hello to anyone out there reading this! I hope you are all keeping safe and happy during these times. I don’t really know where to begin with this post, but I guess the main point of this somewhat meandering reflection is to announce that this week is my last as a member of the ACO.

After almost 6 years in the orchestra, I have made the decision to move to Germany where I will take up the position of Principal 2nd Violin in the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen. This move will be an exciting challenge in my career, and allows me to finally live in the same country as my partner, who has been living in Germany for the last 5 years.

While I’m very excited by this new opportunity and all the challenges it will bring (including learning German!), I’m also very emotional about leaving the ACO. In many ways, I’ve grown up with the ACO. I first toured with the orchestra as a member of Gondwana Voices in 2001, attended as many ACO concerts as I could throughout my studies, became an ACO Emerging Artist in 2012, and then finally became a member of the orchestra in late 2014.

Concerts with ACO never fail to excite or move me - the passion that the players on stage put into each and every performance, and the drive to continually improve and push the boundaries is simply awe-inspiring. I’ve been constantly challenged to delve deeper into the music, and I’m always learning from the other musicians on stage. The guest artists with which the orchestra works are some of the best in the world, and it’s a testament to the reputation of the ACO that they choose to return again and again. Whether it’s “core repertoire”, or the soundtrack to “Mountain”, there’s something special about the sound of the ACO, and being part of that sound has been such a privilege. Numerous concerts have left a huge impact on me, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget the feeling of playing the Goldberg Variations - hearing Richard play the final Aria after such a transcendental journey will never leave me.

I couldn’t believe my luck when I passed my trial in the orchestra (on the same day as violinist Liisa Pallandi!), and I feel so fortunate to have had so many incredible experiences since then - from the electric concerts that always keep you on your toes, to travelling all around Australia and the world. One of the best parts of being in the ACO is the travel - I’ve been able to see some remarkable parts of the world and experience the food, culture and ‘extra-curricular activities’ of each place, while catching up with family and friends. From skiing and karaoke in Japan, to winning a game of poker in Buckingham Palace, hiking in Joshua Tree National Park in the US, and enjoying a freshly squeezed milkshake in the Swiss Alps, every overseas trip has been memorable.

Closer to home, it’s been so much fun getting to know our beautiful cities and frequent my favourite coffee shops, bars and dumpling providers. Regional touring with the ACO Collective has also provided some of the best experiences - I’ve been to some towns across the country that I probably would never otherwise visited (or heard of). Being able to play to a hometown audience in Mackay was a highlight, and working with students in regional centres is always rewarding. One concert in Lismore was particularly inspiring - the ACO donated its performance fee back to the venue to help with the rebuilding of local education programs after the town was devastated by flooding. The audience certainly made their gratitude heard, and all on stage played their absolute hearts out.

There are naturally also downsides to the travel. Being stuck on a broken down bus in 40 degree weather somewhere in the middle of WA makes me sweat just recalling it, while the annoyance of airport delays (admittedly a distant memory at the moment) sets my teeth on edge. If I never see the inside of Roanoke Airport again, or a certain dive of a hotel on the side of a highway to nowhere in Texas, it’ll be too soon. Thankfully, usually a pack of cards and a few willing 500 players is all you need to pass the time in these situations.

However, what makes the ACO the success it is, and for what I’m most grateful, are the people both within and outside the organisation. I can’t think of a group of people so passionate, able and efficient as the ACO’s administration. Every brilliant employee within the organisation is vitally important to the success of the company, and worth their weight in gold. The musicians simply could not function without these people doing the most amazing work, mostly unseen by the general public. So to Robin in archives, Lisa and Tom in tour management, Colin and Mel in the box office, Anna in artistic, Bernie in the library, Tara in education, and every single person in the company - thank you for everything you do and for who you are.

Obviously the people with whom I’ve spent the most time are my colleagues (friends!) on stage. Every musician in the orchestra is a uniquely brilliant personality, and it’s the combination of formidable talent, passion and complete trust that makes every ACO concert an unbelievably exciting experience. When a group so small spends so much time together on the road, in hotels, in airports, and on stage, it’s only natural that a familial bond will grow, and the closest of friendships are formed. Like any family, we’ve gone through many ups and downs, but I’ve found that this genuine, generous and fun group of people will always have each other’s backs. I’m not sure I have the words to adequately express this, but I’d like to thank the members of the orchestra for their trust and belief in me, their never-ending support and most importantly, friendship.

Perhaps the most important people involved in the ACO are the supporters and audiences - you! Without you, who would we be playing for? I’ve met so many wonderful audiences members and supporters, and it feels wrong that I won’t be able to say goodbye to you face to face, or play in one last concert for you. However, I’d simply like to thank you for your friendship, conversation, and most importantly for your support of the arts in Australia. We’ve all found ourselves in an incredibly difficult time, and I think it goes without saying (but I’ll say it anyway) - the arts are vital to any community, and I hope that we will continue to stand together to help them thrive.

It’s weird to sign off like this, but I know that you never really leave the ACO family - so I’m sure I’ll see you all again soon.

Thanks for everything, take care and ‘til next time....

Glenn

Helena Rathbone, Principal violin

I met Glenn almost 20 years ago when he was singing in Gondwana choirs as part of our ACO tour, ‘Parables, Lullabies and Secrets’. It is quite bizarre for me thinking of this as I now have a son who is a similar age to little Glenn back then and Jack is also singing in the Sydney Children’s Choir!

Glenn's parents had asked if an ACO violinist would mind giving Glenn a lesson on our tour and so I did. I was younger than Glenn is now! Gosh how time flies! I clearly remember the lesson and being impressed with sweet little Glenn’s playing and obvious musical ability. I suppose I am not in the least bit surprised that he has been so successful and is still the lovely chap he was then. This new principal violin position in Bremen is the perfect next step for him. Bravo to you, Glenn. You deserve it. I could go on about Glenn’s musical career but you can read his bio to find all of that out.

On a personal note, I have loved having Glenn in the Emerging Artists program and the ACOC. I have loved playing with him, getting to know him as an adult(!)and having him as a wonderfully supportive colleague and friend. We will really miss him on so many levels. He can be the most caring and thoughtful of people and also extremely silly and funny which is the perfect balance isn’t it! I know he will thrive wherever he is and wish him the very best of everything. Please don’t forget us Glenn and come back and play a few notes and sing a few songs whenever you can!

Go forth, have the bestest of times, produce lots of little Glennettas and carry on loving music the way you do.

Liisa Pallandi, violin

Glenn and I have moved in similar musical circles since 2010 when we attended National Music Camp together in Canberra. In the intervening years we have been deskies, competitors, friends, karaoke-microphone-hogs, ACO Emerging Artists and - since the Vasse Felix Festival in December of 2014 – fellow full-time ACO violinists. I knew Glenn pre-beard, I’ve watched his fashion evolve from his infamous towel shorts to wild and wonderful shirts, I have heard him belt out many a Disney tune and tear up many a dance floor. Even though I understand his reasons for leaving us I will miss him terribly. I hope we get to play together again one day!