Acclaimed recorder virtuoso Genevieve Lacey has a repertoire that spans nine centuries and she plays with commanding passion.
She performs regularly as a concerto soloist and has toured both nationally and internationally with groups including the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra.
Genevieve has recorded five CDs, including II Flauto Dolce , which won the 2001 ARIA for best classical recording.
Genevieve's latest CD, Weaver of Fictions is being released through ABC Classics this month.
The Epoch Times caught up with Genevieve recently to discuss her career, music and inspirations.
Epoch Times: Have you always had an interest in musical instruments?
Genevieve Lacey: I have been playing as long as I can remember. I grew up in a family where music was an important part of our lives.
ET: What does the recorder mean to you?
GL: I love the sound and simplicity of the recorder. I play many different recorders, and each has its own voice and character. I love the purity and the directness of the instrument. It's like my voice.
ET: Can you briefly tell us what your work involves?
GL: Playing concerts and making recordings, all around Australia and the world.
ET: How do you balance family, work and down time?
GL: Pretty badly—I'm working on that!
ET: Who inspires you?
GL: Many people! Anyone living with compassion and integrity, trying to make their contribution to the world in whatever shape that takes.
ET: What inspires you to take the recorder to such heights within your performances?
GL: I've been incredibly privileged to be able to pursue something that I love. I have been supported and challenged in many ways, so it's my pleasure, and my responsibility to share what I've learnt.
ET: How do you feel about the arts in Australia?
GL: It's an area that's often neglected. For me, taking care of the arts is about taking care of our soul and our dreaming—things that you can't see, but without which, life would be so limited.
ET: What does being a virtuoso mean to you?
GL: For me, it means getting your playing to a stage that technical concerns never get in the way of your musical and expressive desires. In practical terms, that means years of practice!
ET: What advice can you give to aspiring classical musicians?
GL: Follow your heart, be brave and generous. Our culture needs you!
ET: You were the youngest person to be awarded the honour of Fellow of the Faculty of Music, University of Melbourne. What does that mean to you?
GL: That's a lovely honour. Melbourne Uni has given me a life-enriching education. To continue an association with this community means a great deal to me.
ET: Can you briefly tell us about your new CD, Weaver of Fictions , to be released this month?
GL: It's a project I've been dreaming about and working on for years. It's a collection of contemporary music, most of which has been written for me. I can't wait to finally have a copy soon!
To find out more about Genevieve and her music, visit www.genevievelacey.com
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