Double Bassist, Will Hansen has just been named as one of four finalists in the Freedman Classical Music Fellowship, a prestigious award for aspiring musicians under 30.

Growing up in Toowoomba, he knew at an early age what his instrument would be. A graduate of the Conservatorium of Music, he has found a passion  for new and improvised and experimental music, which has led to him performing premieres of more than twenty works for double bass.

He also runs a new music ensemble called SPIRAL, and works as Head of Strings at Mowbray Public School. In today’s chat, Paul asks him how he finds the time to practice his instrument.

His project for the Fellowship involves commissioning five new compositions, releasing and touring an album and masterclasses in regional Australia, including his home town.

He is in the process of commissioning a new double bass from luthier, Matthew Tucker of Bresque Basses, made from Australian timbers.

The winner of the Fellowship will be decided at a concert at the Sydney Opera House on November 19 (COVID permitting)

Arts Wednesday 6 October 10.30-12.00

Streaming live here

or later here