Alumni Profile: Dr Calvin Bowman
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Degree:
Music (Masters) 1996
His studies at Yale were undertaken with the assistance of a Fulbright scholarship, the inaugural Anthony Joseph Pratt award for the Visual and Performing Arts. He is currently Artistic Director at Saint Michael's Uniting Church Collins Street, Melbourne. |
Dr. Bowman has regularly featured on ABC Classic FM and in 2000 he presented a broadcast on ABC TV for the 250th anniversary of Bach's death.
In 2001, he was granted the privilege of re-opening the Melbourne Town Hall organ following its multi-million dollar restoration. On this occasion, he played in the premiere of a work for organ, didgeridoo and narrator written especially for the concert by Philip Glass.
He has recently appeared as organ soloist with Orchestra Victoria, and the Melbourne and West Australian Symphony Orchestras.
What does your work involve?
As a freelance musician, my work is delightfully varied. I am the Artistic Director at St Michael's Uniting Church in the city, I regularly play organ and harpsichord with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, I accompany singers and instrumentalists, and also write music.
What's the most difficult decision you have had to make in your career?
One of the most difficult decisions I've ever faced is upon me at this very moment; that is, whether or not to stay in Australia or move overseas. I have to say that at this stage a move overseas is looking mighty tempting. The arts in Australia are not appreciated as they could be.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job?
The variety. If I had to teach music 9-5 Monday to Friday I would go spare. I'm extremely fortunate to be able to play and write rather than teach.
What inspires you about your job and life in general?
It's so often said by people in the wider community that musicians are quite mad. The reality, I think, is somewhat different. All great artists are clairvoyants; that is, they are able to see beyond the mundane with clarity. Inspiring people to see clearly through the art of music is the most inspiring aspect of my job. As to life in general, I am fascinated by the smorgasbord of human experience. Now, more than ever before, we should be celebrating diversity rather than passing negative critical judgement on others with different experiences to our own.
What is the most stressful/difficult aspect of your job?
Odd working hours and a poor income relative to qualifications and experience are the greatest challenges.
What have been the most significant moments of your life, post-study?
The opening of the refurbished Melbourne Town Hall organ in 2001 was definitely a highlight. Premiering a work by Philip Glass with him in attendance is an event never to be forgotten!
What was it like to study at Yale and to complete your degree there?
Yale is an extraordinary institution. The enormous intellectual and physical resources of Yale are something which I miss greatly.
What are your career highlights?
As mentioned, the Philip Glass premiere. Receiving an earned doctorate from an Ivy League university is clearly something of which I'm very proud. I have also recently become a laureate of the Ned Rorem Award for Song Composition and the Diana Barnhart American Song Competition. I am optimistic enough to hope that there will be more highlights in the years ahead!
What are your strongest memories of life in Melbourne while you were studying at University of Melbourne?
Having grown up in Ballarat, I remember being particularly excited by being suddenly exposed to a wonderful range of musicians and musical activity.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spare time and work time inevitably overlap being a musician, as music is a musician's life. I could say reading is something I do in my spare time; but then I'm always looking for another text to set to music. Walking; but this is thinking time. Even watching a movie; I listen to a film score and think about how I might have done it better!
Do you have any advice about life after study to pass on to current students?
Life is too short not to follow one's passion.
