Local People: Rachel Kelly

by James Marten

For the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra’s principal tuba player, moving to Hobart has hit all the right notes.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I grew up in Brisbane, spent some time living in Melbourne and now live in Hobart.

You joined the TSO as Principal Tuba in 2024, having played with the Queensland, Melbourne and Adelaide Symphony Orchestras and Auckland Philharmonic. Why Tasmania? I played as a casual musician with several orchestras before moving to Hobart but am now incredibly fortunate to have a permanent job here with the TSO. It’s a wonderful orchestra that plays at such a high standard, so I’m very lucky to be able to call it my orchestra!

You’ve described the tuba as your ‘vessel to sing’. What does it feel like physically and emotionally to play? The tuba is quite physically demanding to play – we use up a huge amount of air (the most of all the brass instruments) and during our training we spend a lot of time developing our breathing skills. Despite how physical the playing can be, it’s wonderful to be able to express musically through the instrument.

Your upcoming TSO concert in June puts the tuba centre stage. What do you want people to walk away understanding about the instrument? I hope people will come away from this concert having a new-found appreciation for the tuba. It’s not an instrument that takes centre stage very often, so I’m excited for people to get the opportunity to hear it and hopefully come away as big a fan of the tuba as I am.

You’ve taken up tap and jazz dancing again since moving to Hobart. Is there a connection between dance and musicianship for you? I grew up taking dance classes and I think it has so much connection to playing a musical instrument. I have as much appreciation for dancers as I do instrumentalists. All the same elements can be found in both – rhythm, musicality, artistry and so much more.

You’ve mentioned the TSO’s ‘adorable quirks’ – what has been the unexpected joy of a smaller, close-knit ensemble? The smaller community and slower pace of life we have down here in Tassie lends itself to many of the wholesome things I love about this place. One such example at TSO is the ‘baking roster’ we have at the moment where every week a different person bakes sweet treats for us all to share. I think it’s so wholesome and possibly something you wouldn’t find in a bigger city.

What’s something you wish more people knew about what you do? I wish people knew more about how versatile the tuba is as an instrument. I think a lot of people have a certain image in their head about a tuba sitting at the back of an orchestra playing “oom-pah” lines, and while that is true some of the time, the reality of what the tuba is capable of is so much more than that. The tuba can play beautiful melodic lines, intricate technical passages and bring together a brass section at the bottom of a chord with glorious warmth or nuanced sensitivity.

Who do you admire? I admire kind and compassionate people. It can’t be overrated.

Favourite podcast or tv show? I’m not a big tv watcher or podcast listener but I have recently started listening to Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast which is always good for some light, feel-good entertainment.

Secret vice? Chocolate.

What are you reading now? I just finished reading a book by Tasmanian author Claire van Ryn called Where the Birds Call Her Name which is largely set in Stanley.

What was your first job? Technically my first job was working in a café, but unfortunately I didn’t last long there – I wasn’t a very good waitress! I started teaching tuba when I was in Year 12 (and am still teaching now) so I consider that as my first “real” job.

What are your daily news/social media habits? I like to stay up to date with world news and events and I find the ABC is usually my first port of call for this.

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: Raincheck Lounge in North Hobart.

Lunch: I looove Pigeon Whole Bakers in the city and also can’t go past a banh mi from Ja & Jon in the Elizabeth St Mall.

Dinner: For a special occasion Ogee in North Hobart is absolutely incredible.

Dream holiday destination? New York.

Favourite Tasmanian secret? It’s not really a secret but all of the spectacular walking and scenery that Tasmania has to offer. Of the exploring I’ve done so far since moving here, the Tasman Peninsula and Tarn Shelf walk are some of my favourites.

Parting words? I hope you can join me and the TSO on 4 June at 6pm for our performance of the Vaughan Williams Tuba Concerto. It’s such a wonderful piece of music and I’m really looking forward to sharing it with you all.

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