Gypsy music – whether playing or studying it – is something which takes up a significant amount of Michael Patterson’s time.
The UQ music graduate, who is violinist with gypsy-style band Doch, is also studying a Master of Philosophy, due for completion in March 2008.
“My topic is concerned with the influence of Romanian folk music on the compositions of George Enescu, the most famous Romanian composer,” Mr Patterson said.
“It sort of ties in with what I do with Doch.”
Doch, the seven-piece band which formed six years ago, has had considerable success in Australia and New Zealand, performing music which originates from the Balkan region.
“The music we play comes from transcriptions of old folk music,” Mr Patterson said.
“One member of the band will listen and work out the notes, and then teach the rest of us.”
Doch has performed at a number of impressive venues and festivals, including the Brisbane Powerhouse, The Festival of Colour in Wanaka, New Zealand, the Woodford Folk Festival, the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the 2006 Big Day Out on the Gold Coast.
Mr Patterson said there had been a number of performance highlights over the past six years.
“Performing in Melbourne during the Commonwealth Games, even though it wasn’t at the opening ceremony, was awesome.
“The second time we played at Woodford we got to perform at the amphitheatre,” he said.
And Doch’s members are as talented as they are qualified – four band members are graduates of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.
Further information on Doch can be found on its website, www.doch.com.au
MEDIA: Michael Patterson (0424 286 032, mikeymoon1@gmail.com) or Penny Robinson at UQ Communications (3365 9723, penny.robinson@uq.edu.au)
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