Not many families can form their own string ensemble, but the Hazelwood-Pini clan can. The family boasts three generations of virtuoso musicians and the youngest is 16.
by Caryn Metcalfe
June 12, 2017
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Daniel, 27, at Turramurra’s Uniting Church. |
NOT many families can form their own string ensemble, but the Hazelwood-Pini clan can.
Three generations, ranging in age from 87 to 16, have been coming together for 18 years to entertain music-lovers in Turramurra.
Donald Hazelwood, 87, his daughter Jane Hazelwood, 57, her husband Carl Pini, 83, and their three children Daniel, 27, Elena, 26, and Sebastian, 16, were all raised with music.
“It starts from both sides of my family,” Jane said.
“My mum’s father was into jazz and was a jazz sax and trumpet player.
“My mum was a clarinet player and my grandfather started her on a tiny clarinet because she was little. My father’s mother was a kindergarten teacher but loved music.”
Growing up, the Hazelwood household was full of music, with string quartets often practising in the evenings.
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| Jane and Donald Hazelwood in 2013. Picture: Justin Lloyd |
Violinist Donald was concertmaster of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra for 32 years before retiring in 1998, with Jane also playing for the orchestra on viola.
Her husband Carl was concertmaster of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, following a prestigious career overseas, including leading the London String Quartet, English Chamber Orchestra and London’s Philharmonia Orchestra.
He toured Australia, Europe and the United States.
Daniel has recently returned from studying cello in Germany and is now playing with the Australian Opera and Ballet orchestra, while Elena is teaching music and Sebastian, who has been selected in the Australian Chamber Orchestra academy on double bass, studies music at school.
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| Sebastian (front) and Daniel Pini in 2008. Picture: Timothy Clapin |
Jane said this year’s series of concerts in Turramurra were spurred on by the children.
“We sat together with the children and found out what music they wanted to play this year,” she said.
“We chose our favourite pieces to play over Christmas.
“We love playing together and it’s such a pleasure to play with everyone.”
Where to hear the family play
WHAT: Pini, Hazelwood and Friends
WHERE: Turramurra Uniting Church
WHEN: June 18 and July 16, 1.30pm
First published at The Daily Telegraph, June 12, 2017
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