Medicos get a blast from music

Music

Fancy listening to an orchestral rendition of Justin Timberlake and Michael Jackson's music? Or a different arrangement of Coldplay's hit Viva La Vida?

The 100-plus members of the Adelaide University Medical Orchestra (AUMO) will present a recital at the Scott Theatre on Sunday 24 May that redefines the boundaries of orchestral music.

Titled "AUMOGENESIS: The Birth of Sound," the recital will showcase an artistic style that encompasses both classical and contemporary works, along with innovative projects.

A medley of songs from Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, R&B artist Usher, hip hop ensemble Fort Minor and American rapper Soulja Boy will be premiered, featuring hip hop dancers, vocalists and the full orchestra. Students Amanda Lim and Paaree Senguttuvan will arrange this medley.

The orchestra will also present arrangements of Coldplay, Christina Aguilera and Super Mario video game music in their concert repertoire.

Violist and 3rd year medical student Clarissa Darmasetiawan said there would be something for everyone in the recital, including the Vocal A Cappella group, a stage band performing classic big band and swing numbers, various pieces from the dance crew and a plethora of classical masterpieces by Saint Saëns, Brahms and Liszt.

"There are no limitations to the music we play," Clarissa said. "We aim to challenge and broaden the musical perspectives of both the musicians and the audience."

The AUMO was formed in July 2008 and numbers more than 100 medical students and staff. It incorporates an orchestra, stage band, vocal ensemble and dance crew.

Under the direction of conductor Bryan Griffiths, an Honours student at the Elder Conservatorium, the ensemble is believed to be the world's first single faculty medical student orchestra.

In 2008 the student musicians performed at various medical and charity functions, including events held for the Fred Hollows Foundation, the University of Adelaide's global health group Insight, and the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Women's and Children's Hospitals over the Christmas period.

This year they kicked off their program in March, performing at the annual Anatomy Memorial and Dedication Service in Bonython Hall to commemorate donors who have bequeathed their bodies to medical science.

Prior to their 24 May recital they will provide the musical entertainment for the opening night of the Insight Photo Exhibition on 14 May, which showcases photographs and stories of student medical placements both here and abroad.

Later this year the AUMO will perform at the National Doctors Conference in Adelaide from 3-5 September, sharing their music with the medical fraternity from around Australia.

Several AUMO members will also join doctors and medical students from across the country in the Melbourne Town Hall on 13 September for a performance with the Australian Doctors Orchestra to raise funds for cystic fibrosis.

"The purpose of the orchestra is two-fold," Clarissa said. "It provides students with an outlet from their studies and an opportunity to express their creativity. Through performing we also share our music with the wider community and raise awareness and funds for medical charities."

The Sunday 24 May recital will be held from 7pm in the Scott Theatre on the North Terrace Campus.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by emailing medorchestra@gmail.com or phoning 0422 467 708.

Story by Candy Gibson