Talented conductor shows great potential

Sam Weller is the Artistic and Musical Director of Ensemble Apex, an orchestra htat began as a small student chamber ensemble. But now, with more than 60 musicians, the group has swelled to a more symphonic size. Ensemble Apex was fortunate enough to perform with musicians from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra for Vivid Sydney’s IGNITE: Symphonic Dance Anthems at City Recital Hall in 2017. Now the ensemble is set to return to the stage with a one-of-a-kind spectacular at the Enmore Theatre.

Sam is also a member of the Conservatorium's Wind Symphony led by Dr John Lynch. Playing under Dr Lynch's leadership sparked Sam’s interest in conducting. “Dr Lynch's rehearsal technique is unique,” Sam explained. “Watching him has led me to experiment with my own rehearsal techniques, which is vital to a conductor’s success.”

In 2017, Sam was fortunate to tour Verona, Italy, with his saxophone group, Luxum, for the Con’s Estivo European Chamber Music Summer School. “The preparation and the summer school itself challenged my analytical and musicological skills, which are integral to a young conductor’s success in front of an orchestra,” Sam said. As a result, he was selected to attend the Australian Conducting Academy with German conductor Johannes Fritzsch and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra early in 2018.