There’s something I love about playing violin somewhere it’s not “expected” — and a special members’ event at Flemington is exactly that kind of stage.

Last month, I had the joy of performing at one of these exclusive members’ days, and honestly — it was one of the most fun gigs I’ve had in a while. Racecourses have this incredible energy: the fashion, the anticipation before each race, the roar of the crowd, the champagne, the sheer glamour of it all. Add live violin into that mix and you get something a little unexpected — a moment of elegance woven through all the buzz and excitement.

Playing in that kind of environment is a completely different experience to a formal concert hall. People are moving, mingling, laughing, placing bets, cheering — and my job is to add to that atmosphere, not compete with it. There’s a real art to reading a crowd like that: knowing when to lean into something upbeat and celebratory, and when to pull back into something softer that lets people talk, connect, and enjoy the day. It’s live performance in its most responsive form, and I love the challenge of it.

What made the day especially fun was the variety — beautiful outfits everywhere, that unmistakable race-day buzz, and the chance to be part of the spectacle rather than just watching it as a members-only crowd soaked up the occasion. Performing live music at an event like that means you become part of people’s memories of the day itself. Someone’s favourite photo from that afternoon might have a violinist in the background, adding to that whole sense of occasion.

It’s also a great reminder of why I love what I do. My training has taken me through concert stages, television, teaching — and days like that one at Flemington. Every one of those settings asks something slightly different of you, and being able to adapt, read the room, and still bring your full authentic self to it is exactly the kind of thing I talk about in Master Your Audience. Your brand isn’t just what you do on your “main stage” — it’s how you show up everywhere, from a formal recital to a race day marquee.

If you ever get the chance to add live music to an event like this, I can’t recommend it enough. It changes the whole feel of the day — a little unexpected, a little elegant, and a lot of fun.

Here’s to more days like that one.