The Advocate: Marissa Menezes

Hi! My name is Marissa Menezes and I’m an international student doing my Master of Psychology (Clinical) at the University of Adelaide.  Clinical psychology is a fascinating area of psychology that focuses on understanding and treating mental illness. It is both challenging and extremely rewarding work.

My introduction to orchestral music occurred a year ago when I happened to attend a lunchtime concert at Elder Hall and I fell in love almost immediately. I quickly realized that not many young people were a part of the audience. There’s a misconception that one needs to be knowledgeable of classical music in order to enjoy it.  I want to work to disprove this and help cultivate an appreciation for this beautiful form of music among the young and not-so-young alike.

What is your most memorable musical experience?

I recently attended the Berlin Komische Oper production of Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute directed by Barrie Kosky which finally came to Adelaide as part of the Adelaide Festival. The orchestra and singing were exquisite and beautifully paired with the entertaining acting and on-screen graphics.  In the duration of two-and-a-half hours, the performance managed to make me laugh, cry, gasp and left me in complete awe of the entire work.

What does your ideal night at the orchestra look like?

I love anything with fast, intense, angry or dark sections in it like Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries, Mozart’s Requiem or Beethoven’s Symphony No.5. 

Why do you believe it’s important for young people to experience the orchestra?

Orchestral music has survived centuries of history and orchestral pieces are reflective of various historical periods. Keeping it alive helps us connect with and celebrate this while encouraging the creativity and talent of its composers, conductors, musicians and everyone else involved. I would hate to think that young people are missing out on such a magically rich experience.

The Advocacy Program

Our ASO Advocates are a group of people aged 18–30, empowered to represent the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. They work together over the course of the year to drive and inspire engagement with orchestral music and the arts. Their purpose is to build an inclusive and young community who are connected to the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

Want to know more about the program? Visit this page.