When the Melbourne Grammar Symphony Orchestra took to the stage for its spring performance this year, a piece of Australian children’s literature was brought to life.
The concert included the premiere of The Midnight Tram, composed by Jack Earle and inspired by an original story book of the same name by Mitchell Toy.
“I’ve long wanted to contribute a piece to the perennial cycle of children’s repertoire, such as Peter and the Wolf and The Carnival of the Animals,” explained Symphony Orchestra conductor Pat Miller in the lead-up to the event.
“When I saw Mitchell’s beautiful book in the window of a store on Toorak Road, without even opening it I knew I had the project I’d been looking for.”
A beautiful blend of creative artistry
Composer Jack Earle worked closely with Melbourne Grammar students to create the music for our orchestra.
“I’ve been deeply impressed by the standard of excellence Melbourne Grammar students hold themselves to,” says Jack.
“They approach their responsibilities with real commitment, are eager to do their best, and are unfailingly courteous, polite, and kind. It’s deeply gratifying to see all the elements come together at such a high standard.”
The final element in the performance was the projection of artwork created by Ollie Wilson (OM 2022), who was commissioned to animate the illustrations from The Midnight Tram, literally bringing Mitchell’s drawings to life.
A Melbourne story
How does this multi-layered artistic response strike the author of The Midnight Tram?
“It’s been a thrilling process to bring the book to life,” says Mitchell, who also created the custom illustration of the ‘Midnight Tram’ flying past Witherby Tower specifically for the event.
“Jack Earle’s beautiful music has matched and enhanced the story in a way I never could have imagined, and Ollie Wilson has breathed new life into the illustrations through his captivating animations.”
Ollie, who is now majoring in animation at the Victorian College of the Arts while also working as a classroom assistant for our own design students, says the process of animating The Midnight Tram brought together his two passions: drawing and filmmaking.
“My Year 12 classes in animation really opened the door for me,” says Ollie, who is in the process of completing his final year film.
“The whole creative team has been amazing to work with, and the project has also helped me realise how important it is to have a clear vision. You don’t always need crazy, flashy imagery to achieve a perfect result.”
Continuing the history of Australian music
Pat says the audience experienced something “really special” on the night.
“I hope the performance showed our audience that orchestral music – and Australian music especially – is something that is still being created today, and that we all have a role to play in securing the future of the artform. I have no doubt the audience were mesmerised by our soloists and impressed by our wonderful orchestra.”
For Mitchell, the performance coincided with his upcoming role as Grimwade House artist-in-residence, which he expects to be a rewarding opportunity to connect with some of his youngest readers.
“Children have access to their imagination in a way we older people don’t,” Mitchell says.
“I’m looking forward to sharing my writing and drawing processes with Grimwade students, providing them with inspiration, and hearing their ideas for stories that might be created in decades to come.”
The Midnight Tram music composition was a commission generously funded by Gear Box Arts, a committee of volunteer parents and Melbourne Grammar art teachers.
“We were struck by the way it creatively unites music, art, and narration into a form the school can carry forward for years to come.” Paul Bonnici – Gear Box Arts Committee Chair
