Let’s Talk Business – CELLO DREAMING

By Victoria McGuin

Louise King is an independent, contemporary, classical musician and an inspiring concert artist, teacher, recording artist, adjudicator and event producer. 

As Artistic Director of Cello Dreaming Louise King runs a busy private teaching studio, produces and presents community and professional concerts, workshops, and collaborative performance projects, and mentors emerging young musicians.

Originally from the UK, what brought Louise to Australia, and why did she choose to settle in the beautiful rural town of Eudlo?

“I was born in Lincolnshire, UK, then moved to London and Manchester to train at the Royal College and Royal Northern College of Music,” shared Louise.  

“I was in the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra in the UK, before moving to Hong Kong with my husband and young family, where I was contracted to the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

“We came to the Sunshine Coast in 2003. My husband grew up here, raised in Kawana (he did more surfing than schooling!). We decided to make a fresh start, so 2024 marks 20 years of living and bringing music events to the region. We’ve lived in Eudlo for 16 of those years.”

Cello Dreaming was founded in 2003, with Louise providing a creative space for audiences to explore, share and discover music. For artists, it is a platform to experiment, present and make work, embedded in the community, for the community. 

“The power of music is at the heart of everything I program, I am committed to fostering creative connections and diverse collaborations, especially with our First Nations artists.” ” said Louise. 

“My new festival, Long Listen, launched in 2023. I run signature events from festivals to retreats, education programs, and work as a recording session musician for ABC classics and indie singer songwriters, adjudicate music competitions and tutor for the Australian Youth Orchestra.”

A typical day for Louise starts with rising at dawn and sitting with a pot of tea to watch the sun rise.

“What would happen if…” is a powerful journal prompt for me. Then I activate. I make things happen! Communications, arts admin, strategic planning, cello practice, plus teaching and meeting online and in person,” said Louise.

And for those who have ever been curious to learn an instrument, but may think it’s too late, Louise has this advice: “Do it! It is never too late and never been easier, so many online resources and short courses to follow.  

“Ageism is common in music education but adults can learn to play an instrument, it just requires dedication, patience and practice. My Summer Retreat and monthly Class Program are examples of how I support people to take up music as a creative practice.”

When Louise has some rare down-time she enjoys the beach, a bushwalk, a bike ride, and “sitting in my local park to hang out with friends and neighbours, or supporting local events and restaurants”. 

I was curious as to what Louise’s favourite piece of music would be, when she has such a depth of musical knowledge.  She thought for a moment … 

“The Elgar Cello Concerto - it begins with a solo cellist against all the force of a rumbling orchestra - noble, fierce and proud, and then the questioning melody, rising and spiralling upwards like someone pulling themselves up from the depths of the earth, searching for the light. It can’t help but stir the soul! It gives me courage to keep going no matter how hard it gets!”

And if she needs an extra nudge, Louise reminds herself of a quote by Muhammad Ali: The will must be stronger than the skill.

“This particularly rings true in the performing arts,” Louise said with a laugh.