His performing career began with his appointments as Leader of the Sydney University String Quartet, the Winbourne string quartet and subsequently with Symphony orchestras throughout Australia. Since 1978 Gustaw has freelanced, performing with orchestras, quartets, trios, and recorded for commercial studios and ABC radio. He has also backed many artists including Rita Hunter, Shirley Bassey, Frank Sinatra, Peter Ustinov, Marcia Hines, John Denver and Tommy Tycho.
As a member of the Tarantella Trio, Blue Mountains Trio and the Paganini Duo he has done several interstate tours and in 1999 a tour of South Asia. He currently performs in a regular concert series at Jenolan Caves as part of the Paganini Duo. Gustaw is also conductor of the Lithgow orchestra, which plays an eclectic mix of music ranging from classical, jazz to originals.
Pictured is Gustaw giving a lesson to his student Tara Chan, who has just been awarded the A.MusA. He comments that Tara is an exceptional student, and it is a great achievement for one so young. Gustaw is now preparing Tara for the Licentiate. This final exam requires a complete understanding of Violin technique and repertoire. Gustaw points out that there are many aspects to technique. It requires an understanding of the way the fingers interact with the strings and the way the bow moves along the string, but always keeping in mind that this technique is a means to an end, which of course is the music. Understanding the notes in a phrase to be able to produce the music are all integral aspects of technique. In other words, one has to transcend the notes.
The only way to achieve this is a complete understanding of the instrument. If you want to learn to play the Violin, either with a view to serious technique and achieving your diploma or simply for enjoyment, contact Mitchell Conservatorium on 6331 6622 and learn from Gustaw Szelski.
