18 April 2024
Otto Gibbs, a talented composer and graduate from John Curtin College of the Arts, has been selected for the prestigious 2024 West Australian Symphony Orchestra Composition Project.
Otto Gibbs in his final year at John Curtin College of the Arts.
Graduating in 2022, Otto spent his high school years in the Gifted and Talented program as a music student specialising in percussion.
During his time at John Curtin College of the Arts, he had opportunities to develop his passion for composing.
“I wasn’t being taught composition formally, but I had opportunities to arrange music for percussion ensemble, as well as being permitted to form my own chamber orchestra of sorts, which I co-directed and wrote for,” he said.
Otto’s exceptional talent and dedication to his art has earned him a spot in the 2024 West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) Composition Project.
The project provides valuable experience for emerging composers and aspiring musicians. The original works will be premiered by WASO Musicians at Perth Concert Hall in June.
Otto is currently composing his piece for the concert, which is inspired by Singapore, as he is going on exchange there later this year.
“I wanted to pay homage to some of Singapore’s most characteristic features, like its temples, hawker centres, or the straits that surround it. It will be divided into little sections that each reflect a different side of the nation,” he said.
Otto speaks highly of his time in the Gifted and Talented program, which provided him with an enhanced musical education throughout years 7 to 12.
“The nurturing environment reinforced my own curiosity, and served as a pivotal foundation for where I am today, and where I’ll be in the future,” he said.
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