BY STEPHANIE ESLAKE
Not everyone can rise as early as 6am, or spend the next 12 hours on the job (and then some). But when you’re fuelled by passion for work and life, you might be surprised at what you’re capable of.
For Melbourne Chamber Orchestra violinist Rochelle Ughetti, a busy life brings a deep sense of fulfilment. You might imagine her practising her instrument into the night, or arriving at rehearsals with her fellow musicians. This is just the beginning of her story — she also plays with Trio Anima Mundi (“a constant source of inspiration and joy”), and spends three days a week in clinical practice and management as a leading audiologist at the Melbourne Hearing Care Clinic.
“Life is definitely full and demands a lot of dedication, organisation, and stamina,” Rochelle shares.
“When my children were young, juggling work, music, and family was a real challenge and some days felt almost impossible — but as they’ve gotten older, it’s become much easier.
“I’m really glad I persisted through that tough stage because it’s allowed me to continue both my passions.”
One of those passions involves MCO. Rochelle first performed with them in 2007 (then named Australia Pro Arte). She was a freelance musician at the time, having trained in London’s Royal Academy of Music. She’d also started her Masters of Clinical Audiology.
Close to two decades on, Rochelle still remembers her first concert with MCO in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall — and it’s one of her favourite memories.
“The beauty and clarity of the sound in that space was electrifying, and the stillness in the room was unforgettable … It was a magical moment that amplified everything I love about performing with this ensemble.”
When Rochelle talks about clarity of sound, she means it literally. Her dual careers as musician and audiologist are, “a natural extension of my love of music and sound, but channelled into a way of supporting people in their everyday lives”.
She understands the way sound is processed, from brain and ear; posture to movement. She can listen to pitch, balance, and dynamic with awareness of her own body, and the way sounds interact between the players around her.
But at the end of the day, music will always be music — something beyond the technical, and which penetrates our hearts. That’s why performance feels “instinctive” to Rochelle once she’s on stage.
“In that moment, it’s less about analysing sound and more about being completely immersed in it — responding to the music, the space, and the energy of the other players.”
With MCO (pictured above), it’s also about the intimacy of a beautiful melody shared between musicians and audiences.
“It starts with carefully chosen programs that offer variety and imagination, bringing together works that are both emotionally and intellectually stimulating.”
To Rochelle, the best ensembles have qualities we may see reflected in ourselves: “openness and curiosity — a willingness to take risks, try new ideas, and really trust one another.”
“When that happens, the music feels spontaneous and honest, and the audience can sense the joy and energy on stage.”
Hear Rochelle play in the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra’s Flexible Sky program from 26 February-1 March. Full details and bookings on the MCO website.
This article features in the MCO’s Flexible Sky concert guide.
Images supplied. MCO by Lucien Fischer. Rochelle captured by Albert Comper Photography.
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