Play Your Part
13 June, 2019
As a child, Sydney Symphony First Violin Alex Norton never dreamt he would become a professional musician.
Growing up on a farm in regional NSW, Alex loved listening to classical music with his family, mesmerised by the records his mother would play. But his life changed when he was 10 years old and the Sydney Symphony came to Orange…
It was an experience he would never forget, and at that moment he knew he wanted to be an orchestral musician and immerse himself in that sound forever. Alex began studying the violin.
When he was a teenager, Alex was invited to participate in our regional Playerlink program, where talented kids are paired with Sydney Symphony musicians for intensive coaching, workshops and a side-by-side performance. And during Playerlink, Alex was mentored by the generous musicians who are now his professional colleagues and friends.
‘‘Looking back, the Orchestra’s education programs were the stepping stones that made my dreams possible.’’
Since joining the Sydney Symphony a decade ago, Alex has returned home on our regional tours and spent time mentoring other young kids with big dreams. He says “Looking back, the Orchestra’s education programs were the stepping stones that made my dreams possible. I’m proof that music really does open doors for children and broaden their ideas around what they can achieve in life.”
Please consider a tax-deductible donation and help us give music a future.
On behalf of all of us here at the Sydney Symphony, thank you for playing your part!