Benjamin Raymond | 'Late Spring’s Remembrance' | The Tasmanian Youth Orchestra
This performance is the world premiere of 'Late Spring's Remembrance', a work by 19 year-old Tasmanian composer Benjamin (Benji) Raymond.
The work was premiered on 26 November 2023 by the Tasmanian Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Christopher Bearman OAM. The performance was part of TYO's 'Rustica' concert in Hobart's historic Goods Shed; and was filmed by Mac40 Media.
Benji says: "'Late Spring’s Remembrance' is a contribution to Remembrance Day, also known as Poppy Day in Australia, which falls on 11 November. This composition pays its respects to the many soldiers in Australia who lost their lives in the line of military duty.
The piece contains six tempos in total. The reason for this is to provide listeners with an idea of the different themes, and flourishes of the context and different themes all throughout the piece."
Benjamin Raymond, 19, is studying music at the University of Tasmania; including studying composition with Dr Maria Grenfell. Benji began to play the flute in Grade 5 for Southern Tasmania’s Combined Primary Schools Concert Band program, started playing piano soon afterwards, and for the past two years has been expanding his interest and skills in percussion.
Benji began composing in Grade 9 as part of his studies in high school music class and says he was 'ineluctably' drawn to composition. It was exciting and compelling and could feel it expanding his mind in thrilling ways: “I hear the music instantly in my mind. I hear the melody and the chords and the parts for all the instruments.”
Benjamin’s dream and heart’s desire is to pursue a career in composition for films, classical concerts, and maybe to compose a future theme for the Olympic games.