Not even a year after completing his undergrad, double bassist Oakley Paul already has an impressive career.

The second-year Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) student is a casual performer with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra Victoria, and will join both Adelaide and Melbourne’s state orchestras for their upcoming Fellowship program.

Oakley Paul smiling.

Oakley Paul. Photo supplied

“For me, it’s always been about playing in the orchestra. There’s something about it that’s unrivalled to other things,” he tells Limelight. “You get the full spectrum of music.”

Speaking during a break in rehearsals, Paul is part of a select group of ANAM students who will join the Australian Chamber Orchestra on their upcoming Mozart tour, 17–28 June, performing the composer’s Paris, Haffner and Linz symphonies, alongside ballet music from Idomeneo.

Visiting Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney and Brisbane, the students are offered an invaluable insight into the ACO’s operations, and get to learn from some of Australia’s foremost musical talents.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity...