On the Couch with Phoebe Green

Arts Review On the Couch Phoebe GreenWho is Phoebe Green?
I’m a violist from Melbourne and I am presenting a solo recital at the upcoming Bendigo International Festival of Exploratory Music.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
I always feel I could be more organised.

Who inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by creative, industrious, thoughtful and passionate people who are in it for the long haul even if it won’t being them immediate success, even if it isn’t fashionable, and even if they have to deal with pooheads on a daily basis.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Give people in powerful positions a dose of empathy.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
Scotland. Its achingly beautiful and full of history.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
Any excuse to go on a little expedition! It could involved going for a drive to the Daylesford/Mount Macedon region, eating cake at Beatrix in North Melbourne, go explore the NGV/Ian Potter galleries and Botanic Gardens. If anything, it will involve some good eateries.

What are you currently reading?
A myriad of books at the moment: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke; Handbook of Autoethnography edited by Stacy Holman Jones, Tony E. Adams and Carolyn Ellis; and the recent volume of Arcana VII edited by John Zorn.

What are you currently listening to?
Well, I’m preparing a recital program so I’m trying to stay in that headspace. But to break it up been listening to Randy Newman Harps and Angels and Brisbane duo, Clocked Out Time Crystals.

Happiness is?
Good food, good wine, a cracking piece of cheddar, my husband and good friends. (In no particular order)

What does the future hold for you?
I’m currently completing a Doctor of Musical Arts at Griffith University so will keep at that. I’ve got some projects lined up with Sunwrae Ensemble, jazz pianist Tim Stevens and percussionist Leah Scholes. I have some commissions in the works – Lisa Illean is writing something for me to take to next years International Music Summer Institute in Darmstadt, Germany. But right now I’m going to go eat some cheese.

The Bendigo International Festival of Exploratory Music (BIFEM) runs 4 – 6 September 2015. For more information, visit: www.bifem.com.au for details.

Image: Phoebe Green