The Riverina Summer School for Strings

Saturday 9 January 2027:

• Registration from 1.00 - 4.30 pm at Riverina Conservatorium of Music, 1 Simmons St, Wagga Wagga: collect your name tag and updated information about the school

• Bush dance with the renowned Tin Shed Rattlers at 7.30 pm.

The daily program from Sunday 10 January - Friday 15 January:

The Riverina Summer School for Strings is divided into five main sections:

• Nelson Cooke Orchestra & Tamaris Pfeiffer Ensemble

• Charles Sturt Orchestra & Carl Pini Ensemble

• Andante Adult Ensemble

• Classical guitar

• String Jazz

Nelson Cooke Orchestra & Tamaris Pfeiffer Ensemble - younger/less experienced players
Sessions run 9.00 - 3.00

The Nelson Cooke Orchestra and Tamaris Pfeiffer Ensemble will develop ensemble playing and team work within a fun musical environment. Special emphasis will be placed on developing:

• rhythmic skills

• listening skills (intonation, tempo, dynamics)

• sight reading

• leadership qualities

• concentration

• understanding the role of a conductor

• rehearsal techniques and how an orchestra functions

• general musical history about composers and playing styles

There will also be a daily element of chamber music where the students will play in small mixed instrumental combinations. The week-long program will culminate in an opportunity to perform in the final concert.

Charles Sturt Orchestra & Carl Pini Ensemble - older/more experienced players

Rehearsal: 9.00 - 10.30

The Charles Sturt Orchestra and Carl Pini Ensemble groups are for more experienced players and over the week will prepare a variety of works in a range of styles for presentation at the final concert.

Note: Membership of either orchestra or ensemble is not based purely on age and exceptions may be made where younger players of special ability would benefit from participating with more mature performers and for older players who would prefer to work in less-experienced group.

Sectional classes: 11.00 - 12.00

Each morning after the orchestra rehearsal, separate classes are offered in instrumental groups. These classes provide a rare opportunity to learn from outstanding teachers of each instrument and cover such things as repertoire, interpretation, posture and technique.

Andante Adult Ensemble 9.00 - 12.00

A chance for “late starters” and “lapsed learners” to play with other adults while working on a variety of pieces that aren’t too complicated and still sound great even if played a little more Andante than might have originally been intended. A range of classical, popular and celtic quartet and ensemble music will be provided and participants are welcome to bring something they are interested in. The afternoon will be taken up with Chamber Music or Playing Jazz on Bowed Strings and Guitar from 2.00 - 4.00. When submitting your enrolment, please indicate your interest in the Andante class in the Enrolment Comments text box.

Classical Guitar: 9.00 - 4.00

Classical guitar classes will cover fundamental and advanced techniques, phrasing, ensemble playing, knowledge of the fingerboard, harmony and sight reading. Intending classical guitar students should be of least Grade 2 AMEB level. This is a great opportunity for classical guitarists to develop new skills and broaden their musicianship. In the afternoon guitarists can combine with bowed string players or other guitarists in Chamber Music or join the Playing Jazz on Bowed Strings and Guitar class

Playing Jazz on Violin/Viola/Cello/Bass/Guitar: 9.00 - 12.00

A series of classes for string and guitar players interested in developing their improvisational skills in a jazz idiom. George Washingmachine will guide participants in a melodic approach to improvising over chord changes in a straight forward way as well as focussing on how to develop a strong rhythmic feel and effective interaction with other members of an ensemble   In the afternoon, participants in this class will join in the elective Playing Jazz on Bowed Strings and Guitar

Here’s George performing at the 2023 Golden Fiddle Awards Part 2 There’s An Ache in My Heart

Lunchtime Concerts: 12.00 - 1.00

All students are encouraged to participate in these informal concerts held from Sunday through to Friday as they are a great chance to play in front of a supportive audience. Solos are best to be done in the first few days, as later in the week there is higher demand and most of the programs are made up of ensembles.

Electives - Chamber Music: 2.00 - 4.00

Chamber Music

Students who choose to participate in chamber music are organised into quartets and other string ensembles wherever possible. You will be assisted in forming groups and selecting repertoire and will be allocated a tutor to work with you. If you are interested in participating in chamber music, please provide information on your:

• previous chamber music experience

• sight reading ability

• repertoire that you would like to play

• the names of any other RSSS players that you would like to link up with to form and ensemble

This can be done through the Experience or Enrolment Comments text boxes on the enrolment form or by emailing the RSSS administrator at contact@summerstrings.com.au

The Friday lunch-time concert will specifically focus on performances by chamber groups who have prepared material during the week.

Playing Jazz on Bowed Strings and Guitar

George Washingmachine will explore the transition to playing jazz after a classical upbringing and the influence of his favourite violinists. Participants will learn the importance of understanding and listening to the chord changes in songs and how to take the lead or a supportive role on tunes such Autumn Leaves, In A Mellow Tone as well as the 12 bar Blues.

Saturday 16 January 2027:

• Sound check at Wagga Civic Theatre 9.30 am - 12.00 pm

• Lunch 12.00 - 1.30 pm

• Grand Finale Concert at Wagga Civic Theatre 2.00 pm - 4.30 pm

• End of school 5.00 pm

The artistic faculty of the Riverina Summer School for Strings includes some of the best musicians and educators in Australia

The Riverina Festival of Strings Concert Series

The Riverina Festival of Strings Concert Series for 2027 will take place at St Johns Church, 6-12 Church St and Wagga RSL, Cnr Dobbs & Kincaid Sts

The performances will be held on Sunday 10, Monday 11, Wednesday 13, Thursday 14 and Friday 15 January 2027.

The Sounds of Summer Concert Series 2027

Sunday 10 January — Aurora

St John’s Church 7.30

Gabriel Faure

Violin Sonata No. 1 in A Major, Op. 13

1. Allegro molto

2. Andante

3. Scherzo: Allegro vivo

4. Finale: Allegro quasi presto

Alexander Norton - violin, Caroline Almonte - piano

Guitar Duo

Harold Gretton, Jeff Donovan - classical guitar

Solo Item

George Washingmachine - Jazz violin

Joseph Haydn

String Quartet Op.76 No.4 ‘Sunrise’

1. Allegro con spirito

2. Adagio

3. Menuetto: Allegro

4. Finale: Allegro ma non troppo

Emma Jezek, Nicole Masters - violin, Andrew Jezek - viola, Kristy Conrau - cello

Edvard Grieg

Two Nordic Dances Op. 63

No. 2 Cow Call & Peasant’s Dance

Sounds of Summer Camerata

Monday 11 January

St John’s Church 7.30

Antoine de L’hoyer

Concerto for Guitar and Strings

1. Allegro Moderato

2. Rondo Allegretto

Harold Gretton – guitar, Cameron Jamison, Nicole Masters – violin, Jane Hazelwood – viola, David Chaston - cello

Sergei Rachmaninov

Trio Élégiaque Op. 1 in G minor

Alexander Norton, Kristy Conrau – cello, Caroline Almonte - piano

Antonin Dvorak
String Quintet No.2 in G Major, Op.77

1. Allegro con Fuoco

2. Scherzo: Allegro vivace

3. Poco andante

4. Finale: Allegro assai

Emma Jezek, Nicole Masters - violin, Sandro Costantino - viola, Kristy Conrau – cello, David Campbell - double bass

Wednesday 13 January — Summer

St John’s Church 7.30

Astor Piazzolla

Estaciones Porteñas: Verano (Summer)

Alexander Norton - violin, David Campbell - double bass, Caroline Almonte - piano

Caroline Shaw

Entr’acte

Alexander Norton, Emma Jezek, Nicole Masters - violin, Andrew Jezek - viola, Kristy Conrau – cello

Franz Xaver Richter

String Quartet in E Flat Major, Op. 5, No. 4

1. Larghetto

2. Allegro spirituoso

3. Tempo di minuetto

Cameron Jamison, Nicole Masters – violin, Jane Hazelwood – viola, David Chaston - cello

Antonio Vivaldi

The Four Seasons: Summer

1. Allegro non molto

2. Adagio e piano - Presto e forte

3. Presto

Emma Jezek - violin, Sounds of Summer Camerata

Thursday 14 January — Jazz with George Washingmachine

Wagga RSL 7.30

Join jazz violinist and vocalist George Washingmachine in a sumptuous concert of jazz standards and originals at the Wagga RSL Mirage Room

Friday 15 January — Twilight

St John’s Church 7.30

Antonin Dvorak

Piano Quintet No. 2, Op.81

1. Allegro, ma non tanto

2. Dumka: Andante con moto

3. Scherzo (Furiant): Molto vivace

4. Finale: Allegro

Alexander Norton, Cameron Jamison - violin, Sandro Costantino - viola, Josephine Costantino – cello, Caroline Almonte – piano

Jean Sibelius

Andante Festivo

Sounds of Summer Camerata

Benjamin Britten Op. 4

Simple Symphony

1. Boisterous Bourrée

2. Playful Pizzicato

3. Sentimental Sarabande

4. Frolicsome Finale

Sounds of Summer Camerata

Sounds of Summer Camerata:

Alexander Norton, Emma Jezek, Nicole Masters, Cameron Jamison, Jacqueline Smith - violin

Jane Hazelwood , Sandro Costantino, Andrew Jezek - viola

Kristy Conrau, Josephine Costantino, David Chaston - cello

David Campbell - double bass

2027 Tuition Prices

Tuition Early Bird: $450 (Payable by Friday 9 October 2026)

Tuition Deposit Early Bird: $225 (Balance payable by Friday 9 October 2026)

Tuition Standard: $475 (Payable by Friday 27 November 2026)

Tuition Deposit Standard : $240 (Balance payable by Friday 27 November 2026)

Venues:

In 2027 the Riverina Summer School for Strings will take place at two adjacent venues ie Riverina Conservatorium of Music at 1 Simmons St Wagga Wagga and Wagga Wagga Public School at 70 Gurwood St. All daytime events such as rehearsals and classes and the lunchtime concert will be at these venues. Morning and afternoon teas will be provided and catering arrangements for lunch will be organised for participants to order a day in advance

The Sounds of Summer Concert Series will be held in St Johns Church at 6 -12 Church St and Wagga RSL and the Grande Finale Concert will be at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre.

Accommodation:

The Riverina Summer School for Strings has no accommodation facilities, so families will need to make their own arrangements by contacting local providers such as motels, caravan parks and bed and breakfasts. Please see a list of some accommodation providers below.

Accommodation in Wagga Wagga

• Centralpoint Motel

• Big 4 Holiday Park

• Wagga RSL Motel

• Charles Sturt Motor Inn

• Boulevarde Motor Inn

• Baker’s Lane Guesthouse

• Horseshoe Tourist Park

• Townhouse Hotel Wagga

• Restored rustic shearing shed farmstay - Collingullie

For information on things to see and do in and around Wagga, go to Visit Wagga

 The next RSSS is from Saturday 9 - Saturday 16 January 2027

Enrolments for RSSS 2027 are now open and you can secure a place by paying full price or deposit with your enrolment. A receipt will be issued once the enrolment and payment has been received. 

For further information please email contact@summerstrings.com.au or ring 0428 695 577

Once you have completed an enrolment, bowed string players not aiming for the Andante adult group will be sent details for doing a short video audition so that we can get an idea of your playing to facilitate placement in the most appropriate orchestra ie Nelson Cooke, Tamaris Pfeiffer, Charles Sturt or Carl Pini. This will also help us organise elective chamber groups for the afternoon session. We ask for any excerpt/part/piece that you are currently working on up to three minutes long and also a scale of your choice from one to three octaves.

By submitting this enrolment you agree that your photographic or video image can be used by the RSSS for the purpose of school publicity

By submitting this enrolment you agree that your photographic or video image can be used by the RSSS for the purpose of school publicity

1. If paying by direct deposit, please indicate the student name as the reference detail.

    Beyond Bank                                              BSB 325-185

    Riverina Summer School for Strings         Acc No  38717285

2. If paying by credit card, we will send you an email for credit card processing via Square

3. If paying by cheque, please make it out to Riverina Summer School for Strings and post to: 161 Lake Albert Road Kooringal, NSW, 2650

About The Riverina Summer School for Strings

The Riverina Summer School for Strings is a residential string school that takes place in Wagga Wagga, NSW in the second or third week of January each year. It is a non-profit organisation run by a volunteer committee. It was founded by internationally recognised Australian cellist Nelson Cooke in 1988 in order to provide a fully-immersive string experience for students of all ages and abilities in a regional Australian setting. It is open to bowed string players and guitarists of all ages and regularly attracts some of Australia's best string players to its staff. In addition to Nelson Cooke, it has been lead by highly regarded performers and teachers such as Christopher Martin, Carl Pini, Goetz Richter and Susan Collins. The next annual school will be held in January 2027 and esteemed violist Jane Hazelwood will lead the school as Music Director.

RSSS Child Protection and Code of Conduct Policies

The Riverina Summer School for Strings is committed to the overall welfare and wellbeing of all staff, students and volunteers involved in the school. In particular, the Riverina Summer School for Strings is committed to promoting and protecting the interests and safety of children. We have zero tolerance for child abuse. Everyone working at Riverina Summer School for Strings is responsible for the care and protection of children and reporting information about child abuse.

Please click on the links below to see and read the RSSS Code of Conduct Policy and RSSS Child Protection Policy

Please find the RSSS Code of Conduct Policy for Staff and Volunteers here

Please find the RSSS Child Safe Policy here 

Riverina Summer School for Strings

161 Lake Albert Road Kooringal, NSW, 2650

contact@summerstrings.com.au

0428 695 577

The Riverina Summer School for Strings thanks the following sponsors for their generous support

Peter and Frankie Reid from Sophia's Strings will be on hand throughout the summer school with spare string equipment and the expertise to fix most malfunctions or breakages. Peter will also be working on new instruments and is always keen for people to come and try out some of his wares.