Who is Melissa Doecke?
I’m a musician, flautist, and co-Artistic Director of Inventi Ensemble, fortunate to have had a myriad of opportunities across the world to follow my passion and play music. Currently living in Melbourne and enjoying curating Inventi concerts from commissioning new music to reinventing the classics and above all bringing joy through music to everyone everywhere.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Nothing! I really do love what I do and the journey that I’ve taken as a musician. I’ve had opportunities to travel and play in concert halls across the world, work with outstanding musicians and bring music to people and places that desperately need it. The joy of sharing music with people from all audiences and all walks of life is something that I am really passionate about and I’m fortunate to be doing that now with Inventi Ensemble.
Who inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by many parts of many people! I’m inspired by outstanding musicians who I’ve played alongside, I’m inspired by old friends who have had a long life and have amazing knowledge and stories to tell and I’m inspired by the pure unbridled joy of children who have not a care in the world except the excitement of finding a snail in the garden! I find inspiration comes from many people/places and I’m happy to take it all in.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Show compassion and kindness, understanding and respect, and find ways to bring joy to people’s lives – playing and sharing music is a wonderful way to do this!
Favourite holiday destination and why?
The coast of Brazil, on a white sandy beach with a caipirinha in hand and the sounds of a samba floating on the breeze. The beach has always been a drawcard of relaxation for me and I love the music from Brazil!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Well, as everyone from Melbourne knows, you take your friends to that cool café/bar in a secret location somewhere far from where the tourists are… If I tell you then it won’t be a secret anymore! Otherwise, most likely a trip out the Yarra Valley with some wine and cheese tasting
What are you currently reading?
Jacinda Adern’s biography
What are you currently listening to?
Inventi Ensemble’s Peer Gynt and Women of the Earth albums! After recording during a brief break in lockdowns, most of the past few months has been editing and producing these albums with our sound engineers and producers on zoom calls – an unusual way to do this for sure! They’ve just been released 2 weeks ago and it’s been wonderful to sit back with the actual CD in hand and listen through both albums and share this amazing music with friends and supporters.
Caerwen Martin’s title track Women of the Earth holds a special place for me – such a spiritual piece with references to a community of women in the church and a special stained glass window from a church in Flinders it’s a wonder to listen to. And on the Peer Gynt album, Ed Ayres gives a fantastic narration of Peer’s naughty tricks – it nearly steals the show!
Happiness is?
Contentment in the present and hope for the future, with love, joy and peace in your heart.
What does the future hold for you?
Playing the flute! Many concerts with Inventi Ensemble, recording some more Inventi cds, more concerts, more flute, more travel (hopefully!), more joy.
Melissa is a flautist and co-Artistic Director of Inventi Ensemble – who have recently released two new albums: Women of the Earth and Peer Gynt. For more information, visit: www.inventiensemble.com for details.
Image: Melissa Doecke (supplied)