ABC Classic has run a poll of Australians to ascertain the nation's favourite classical instrument.
The soprano singing voice came in at no. 21; the male tenor voice at no. 17. But voices in unison, choral voices, choirs, were far more popular at no.9.
At number 2 and 3 respectively came the piano and the violin, but Australia's favourite classical instrument is the one that is said to be closest to the human voice, the cello.
Photo: Nz Trio
Ashley Brown is a great cellist. His accolades include prizes at the Adam International Cello Competition and the ROSL Music Competition in London. He studied at Canterbury and Yale Universities, he's performed in Paris, London and New York, and at the moment he's the cellist with NZ Trio. Ashley Brown speaks with Jim Mora about the attraction - and challenges - of the Cello.