Previous SMWs

2017 Sydney Marimba Weekend

The third Sydney Marimba Weekend was held 7-9 April 2017 at Chatswood High School.

SMW17 featured two of Australia’s leading and most experienced percussionists, DARYL & ALISON PRATT. Together, they form the critically acclaimed duo, Match Percussion. During SMW17, Alison gave a motivating masterclass, delving into a range of technical and musical issues. Daryl, Chair of Percussion at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, gave an informative and insightful presentation about tertiary music study and pathways after high school.

For the first time, the Sydney Marimba Weekend began on Friday evening, with an opening concert featuring Daryl and Alison alongside all SMW faculty members plus two guest artists, Jess Campia and Yvonne Lam. Artistic Directors Anna Zeltzer and Robert Oetomo each performed solos and also appeared together as the Askill Percussion Duo. A moving rendition of Peter Sculthorpe’s Djilile brought all performers together, including SMW17 faculty member Rebecca Lloyd-Jones.

Rebecca, one of Australia’s most sort-after percussionists, made an invaluable contribution not only to the opening concert but to the entire Sydney Marimba Weekend, giving exciting and encouraging masterclasses and workshops.

SMW17 saw the introduction of workshops for composition skills, the results of which were presented in the Gala Concert. Alongside these group performances, and selected solo performances, the massed marimba ensemble again wowed an enthusiastic and appreciative audience.

In 2017, participants ranged in aged from 12 – 18 years. The following schools were represented:

  • Turramurra High School
  • Chatswood High School
  • Balmain Secondary College
  • Caringbah High School
  • North Sydney Boys High School
  • St George Girls High School
  • Sydney Conservatorium of Music High School
  • Loreto Normanhurst
  • Barker College
  • Marist College Eastwood
  • St Pius X College Chatswood
  • The King’s School
  • Knox Grammar School
  • St Joseph’s College
  • Dickson College (ACT)

In 2017 we had an impressive number of instruments, which were generously loaned by Claire Edwardes, Selina Fung, Sophia Ang, Rebecca Lloyd-Jones, Lillian Camphausen, Janine Lapworth, Loreto Normanhurst, Sydney Boys High School and Chatswood High School.

2016 Sydney Marimba Weekend

The second Sydney Marimba Weekend was held 9-10 April 2016 at Chatswood High School. 

Internationally acclaimed percussionist CLAIRE EDWARDES was SMW16’s featured artist. Claire shared her experiences of playing percussion and marimba, giving an in-depth presentation about her career. She also gave an inspiring masterclass, covering a range of topics that participants at every level could relate to and learn from.

In 2016 we offered an expanded programme, with more masterclasses and more workshops over the two days. We also introduced the concert practice and follow-up sessions, giving participants a unique opportunity to engage in and reflect on the art of live performance. 

The Gala Concert featured the world premiere of marimba duet ‘Sequoia’ by Alex Stopa, performed by co-artistic directors Anna Zeltzer and Rob Oetomo. As well as performing several solo pieces, the SMW participants utilised every marimba in the room to perform en masse, wowing the audience with a moving arrangement by Rob. 

Several participants from SMW15 returned in 2016, and were joined by many SMW first-timers from all over Sydney. In 2016 our participants ranged in aged from 10 – 17 years. The following schools were represented:

  • Lindfield Public School
  • Cherrybrook Public School
  • Sydney Conservatorium of Music High School
  • Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School
  • St George Girls High School
  • Sydney Boys High School
  • Caringbah High School
  • Tarramurra High School
  • St Ives High School
  • Chatswood High School
  • Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta
  • Covenant Christian School
  • Barker College
  • Loreto Normanhurst
  • Knox Grammar School
  • The King’s School

In 2016 we had more 5-octave marimbas at our disposal, thanks to Rebecca Lloyd-Jones and Merrilee McNaught who generously loaned their private instruments.


2015 Sydney Marimba Weekend

The inaugural Sydney Marimba Weekend was held 23-24 May 2015 at Chatswood High School.

Participants were involved in an intensive programme of masterclasses, workshops and one-on-one lessons.

SMW15 featured ASKILL PERCUSSION DUO, the ensemble of co-artistic directors Anna Zeltzer and Rob Oetomo. The Gala Concert served as the ensemble’s Australasian premiere, and featured selected SMW participants.

Participants in SMW15 ranged in aged from 12 – 17 years. The following schools were represented:

  • Sydney Conservatorium of Music High School
  • Newtown High School of the Performing Arts
  • North Sydney Boys High School
  • St George Girls High School
  • Knox Grammar School
  • Chatswood High School


The Sydney Marimba Weekend has been generously supported by: