ANU Spaces – Thomas Laue

Dr Thomas Laue is a lecturer and undergraduate convenor at the ANU School of Music. He is also a Senior Carillonist at the National Carillon in Canberra.

We spoke to him about what it's like to play the bells atop one of Canberra's most architecturally unique landmarks, and having his tunes play out over Lake Burley Griffin.

Thomas, can you tell us a little about what you do at the School of Music?

I teach and learn with the School's undergraduate students in my roles as convenor and lecturer of the Music Theory and Aural Skills courses, and also as Undergraduate Convenor. Since my connection with the National Carillon five years ago, much of my research and educational activities have involved bells of some kind, such as the premiere of ANU student compositions for carillon with electronics in 2015, and directing the ANU Handbell Ensemble open to students and the local community. What excites me is that these initiatives bring new performance and listening experiences to students as well as amazing exposure throughout the Canberra community via a public musical instrument, just standing in our lake.

Tell us about the latest project you've been working on involving Canberra's National Carillon?

The Australian Miniatures for Carillon concert project is a special collaboration with the National Capital Authority, the Canberra International Music Festival 2017, and the World Carillon Federation World Congress in Barcelona. Eleven eminent Australian composers worked with myself and Lead Carillonist Lyn Fuller to write and workshop brand new music, which will be performed as part of the Festival from 5 to 7 May on Aspen Island.

What were some of the requirements that the composers had to adhere to when creating their works?

We actually put no limitations on what composers could write, other than a duration of three minutes-which most ignored anyway! The project was all about sharing the creative voice of Australian composers through the carillon, with not just the people of this country, but overseas. The timing of this project meant that we had a unique opportunity to showcase these new Australian pieces on the world stage, through public performances at an upcoming international congress, attended by hundreds of carillonneurs from all around the world as well as locals and tourists in Barcelona.

How many works will be played during the concert?

There will be 10 pieces played at the concert.

For you as a musician, what is it like to play an instrument like the Carillon?

The instrument is a joy to play because it is so responsive, and I have loved how it sounds since the moment I heard it. It's also a nice workout, both mentally and physically, as one swings arms and legs left and right frantically to get all the right notes at the right time, which is really important. A wrong note cannot be stopped on a bell! There is nothing quite like it.

The Carillon is located in such a beautiful and picturesque spot on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin. Can you please set the scene for us - tell us what it's like to play for an audience seated at the base of the Carillon on the shore of the Lake?

It is a real privilege to share my music with others, whether it is representing the nation at ANZAC day commemorations or just playing familiar tunes to the individuals and families gathered around the island with picnic mats on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. In place of a rapturous applause or cheers found at more traditional performance settings, I do sometimes get a lovely note left on my car dashboard, or a greet and handshake down at the base of the tower. It's nice just to get the feedback (and sometimes special requests for my next concert!).

More information on the Australian Miniatures for Carillon concert, which will be held on Friday 5 May from 5pm - 6pm, can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/284696505322417/