On Friday, 26th July, the UNSW Orchestra captivated the audience at the Sir John Clancy Auditorium with their performance of Dehlinger’s Cosmic Cycles: A Space Symphony. The evening was a remarkable fusion of music and visual artistry, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Jerry, who shares his thoughts on the preparation, his memorable moments, and the impact it had on both the performers and the audience.

Please introduce yourself, what instrument you play, and how long you have been involved in the orchestra?

My name is Jerry, and I’m a UNSW alumni graduated in 2023. I play the violin, and I’ve been playing with the UNSW Orchestra for the past three years.

How did performing “A Cosmic Cycle: A Space Symphony” differ from other orchestral works you’ve performed?

In the past, we’ve focused on traditional and classical works like those of Liszt, Dvořák, Tchaikovsky, and Chopin. These pieces were always beautiful and enjoyable to play. While contemporary works don’t always resonate with me, I remember our first rehearsal of “A Cosmic Cycle” vividly. The piece felt disjointed at first as if each instrument section was operating independently. However, the sound was incredible when everything came together, creating a unique and unforgettable experience.

Can you describe the atmosphere and energy among the performers before the concert began?

There was a noticeable mix of excitement and nerves in the air. This performance was unlike anything we had done before—playing in the dark and synchronizing our music with a video. Despite the unfamiliarity, everyone was eager to dive into this new experience.

Were there any notable reactions or feedback from the audience that stood out to you, and how did that impact the performance?

I invited some friends to this concert who aren’t typically fans of contemporary orchestral music. Surprisingly, I received a lot of positive feedback from them. They mentioned that they could feel the energy and were excited throughout the entire concert. This reaction was incredibly rewarding and gave us all a boost of confidence during the performance.

What was the most memorable moment for you during the performance of “A Cosmic Cycle: A Space Symphony”?

One of the most memorable moments was when the transition between the footage and the music was perfectly synchronized. It really showed how amazing our conductor Steve is at bringing everything together so smoothly.

Did performing this piece influence your perspective on classical and modern orchestral music in any way? How so?

It didn’t completely change my view, but it definitely started to shift my perspective. I used to have a negative perception of modern orchestral music, often finding it incoherent and chaotic, lacking the narrative quality of classical music. However, this piece began to change my view, showing me that modern orchestral music could also be impactful and emotionally resonant.

7.  What do you hope the audience took away from the performance of “A Cosmic Cycle: A Space Symphony”?

I hope the audience walked away with a deeper appreciation for the fusion of music and visual art. The piece was designed to take them on a journey through space, and I hope it inspired them to see modern orchestral music in a new light, as something that can be both innovative and deeply moving.