Hunter composer prodigy Thomas Parmeter will debut two symphonies this weekend, having written them at just 15 years of age.
Growing up in Muswellbrook as the son of two talented musicians who met while playing in a local orchestra, Thomas has always had a passion for all things classical.
He was only 13 when he wrote his first symphony and has since created more than 20.
“I think I almost certainly would’ve never become a composer had it not been for growing up in such a wonderfully music household,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“Maybe it was destiny that I become a composer, but I certainly wouldn’t be doing it already.”
Local ensemble Orchestra Nova will perform two of Thomas’ works on Sunday 14 September at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, led by conductors Kevin Young and Stephen Aveling-Rowe.
The youngster admitted it was a moment he’d been waiting for his whole life.
“After the concert of my first Regional Youth Orchestra camp, my family and I exited the venue and my mother told me that Orchestra Nova were thinking about playing my Symphony,” he said.
“I was incredibly excited in my mind but acted cool, calm and collected on the outside and probably said something like ‘ooh, cool, that’s awesome’.”
When asked how he comes up with his musical ideas, Thomas said he found most of his inspiration within the keys of a piano.
“There are a couple of spots in the second movement of the Miniature Symphony where I would play what I’ve already written, on the piano, and then just try and improvise the next bit and see if anything good comes out of it,” he explained.
“How that becomes a full-size score, I could not tell you.
“I guess I listen to a lot of music, so I have a good ear for these kinds of things.”
The two works being played on Sunday are set to be quite different, according to Thomas.
“In terms of mood, I think the Symphony is quite dark, foreboding and brooding,” he said.
“The Miniature Symphony varies quite a bit.
“A quite strange first few movements and a very cinematic, enigmatic, epic finish.
“I didn’t actually write either of them thinking of a story, so I think you could probably imagine whatever you want.”
But, Thomas said Sunday’s showcase was only the beginning.
“I would also love to write an opera someday,” he added.
“I’d love to write a musical, something like Sweeney Todd or Les Misérables, and would just adore writing for film.
“As long as I don’t stop composing, I think I’ll be pretty happy.”
Tickets for the event can be purchased here.
For more entertainment stories:
- The musical for people who can’t stand musicals
- Bounty Hunters finetune perfect ‘balance’ over 30 years
- The ultimate Newcastle Gig Guide
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
