Meet the Musicians
Meet John Keene: Associate Principal Double Bass of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra.
Photo by Daniel Grant, 2022.
Since its founding days, Cygnus Arioso has performed and collaborated with many established West Australian musicians, while aiming to foster the development of emerging artists.
But every musician has to start somewhere, right?
In June we are joined by John Keene, Associate Principal Double Bass of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. We asked him to give us a small glimpse of his journey from beginner student, to playing in one of the top 6 orchestras of Australia, and a little about what he will be performing in our upcoming Winter Chamber Music Weekend this June.
CA: Was the double bass the first instrument you ever played? If not/if so, what drew you to this instrument?
John: The first ever instrument that I played was the recorder, followed by the piano. I was chosen for the double bass at my school's year 2 string program because I was the tallest person in my year and I have loved playing it since then! (Yes, I was 7 years old starting the bass on a 3/4 size - I am very tall!)
CA: Can you remember the first solo you ever played?
John: The very first solo I remember playing was Saint-Saens' The Elephant in Year 6 at school. The first significant solo I remember performing was the first movement of Bottesini's Concerto No. 2 at the AMEB award presentation ceremony.
CA: You are the Associate Principal Double Bassist for WASO. How long have you practiced your instrument to be able to achieve such an important role in the orchestra?
John: My practice routine really amped up in university when I realised that getting into an orchestral role was possible. When I was the youngest person to be awarded SSO's Fellowship at the age of 17, I started applying for orchestral jobs the year after and practicing constantly until I won my first job with NZSO at the age of 20. A year later I won my job with WASO - all the auditions I did and the dedicated practice to winning auditions over those 4 years, as well as the experience in the NZSO I gained, helped me to achieve my role in WASO.
CA: Tell us about Piazzolla’s music. What do you think makes his music so energetic and captivating?
John: Piazzolla is such an interesting composer in that he actually was a really modernist, complex composer. However, his teacher Nadia Boulanger encouraged him to write more in the style of tango because that was where she believed lay the heart of his compositional style. Sure enough, it feels like there is a real genuine depth of personality and heart in PIazzolla's music.
CA: You’re playing 3 Tangos for Violin and Double Bass. Do you dance tango yourself?
John: I can barely dance at all! Tango would be fun to know how to dance but I don't feel cool or suave enough yet...!
CA: What advice do you have for any aspiring musicians hoping to one day play with an orchestra?
John: My advice for young musicians wanting to play with an orchestra is to keep playing at every opportunity and in many different forums, for example, playing baroque music, playing jazz, playing pop/rock music, playing with mixed ensembles, busking, singing in choirs, performing solo, performing in a chamber group - all these enriching, holistic experiences make you more inspired and more well-rounded as a musician and it motivates you to really hone in on your musical craft. It might seem like you become a jack of all trades, expert at none, but there is a risk that you can become lost in a way of performing that becomes too routine and mechanical. Music is fun - you can make it fun by engaging in lots of different modes! As an example, I love performing 20th century music, listening to death metal, and conducting symphonic orchestral music.
John Keene will be performing in Cygnus Arioso’s Chamber Music Weekend on the 24th June 2023. Tickets are on sale now.