Well it’s been an amazing twenty-four hours

As we drove away from the Draney Theatre yesterday (now affectionately known as “The Draney”), my now wet shirt from perspiration due to yesterday’s performance seemed to appear to be the only indicator that anything had happened between this moment & our arrival at the theatre only a couple of hours before; whatever happened in between seemed to be some surreal blur, which I find myself attempting to clutch at for details, but which at present seems beyond me.

Being somewhat allergic to taking selfies, I felt compelled to capture myself here at the local café at midday the next day, finally showing signs of unwinding after

weeks of intense preparations. After an amazing performance yesterday from the members of the Ady Ensemble (I couldn’t have asked for much more from them), we decided to migrate to the Gap Tavern for some down time, & to unwind. Those of us present in the committee felt that we really didn’t want to let go of the moment: a performance that we had worked hard to put together over the last seven months, especially after the ensemble’s six year break from live performances (although we had kept ourselves busy during that time, filling it with recording sessions & sightreads).

My mind was still going at full speed for many hours after yesterday’s performance, & I found myself finally starting to feel the need for sleep at 2am in the morning, some ten hours after the end of the performance. It’s been a quiet morning, & it’s only now as I sit at the local cafe, almost twenty-four hours after yesterday’s performance, that I feel the mind starting to slow down, & the body beginning to feel heavy in equal proportion to the blankness filling my mind. It’s still going to take a while…maybe a couple of days. In the meantime I can feel a natural high beginning to take shape. This is very welcome & – & I say this with a great deal of humility – deserved.

Some things in life are worth waiting for, & yesterday was one of them. With the live performance drought for the Ady Ensemble now over – over which time it

also saw the group evolve from its earlier string ensemble roots into a full symphony orchestra – here’s to many more performances in the years ahead. My thanks again to all involved in yesterday’s performance – both onstage & working behind the scenes – who helped to bring to life this six year dream. Nagyon szépen köszönjük!

Tickets now on sale for “New but old. Old but new”

Step into a world with the Ady Ensemble where the lines between the past and the present blur, as the ensemble embarks on a captivating musical journey. In this unique concert experience, the audience will be transported to a realm where timeless compositions intertwine with contemporary artistry.

Join us for this extraordinary concert experience, where the old meets the new and tradition dances with innovation. Let yourself be swept away by the intricate harmonies, the passionate melodies, and the indescribable magic that unfolds on stage. Lose yourself in the timeless beauty of Rachel Merton’s “Allegro for Strings” and Anton Bruckner’s “Romantic” Symphony, and let the music transport you to a place where time stands still, and the power of music reigns supreme.

Sunday, 16th of July, 3PM to 4:30 PM

Draney Theatre (Entry via Glenlyon Drive), Marist College, Ashgrove QLD 4060

Tickets sold via Trybooking. Be quick & Take advantage of our Early Bird prices until the 16th of June.

$20 – Adults

$15 – Concession

$10 – Children under 18

Come & join us!

Three years ago today…

Three years ago today, I conducted the first of two concerts, organised by Helen Carvolth and myself, utilising some very kind musicians who gave up their time so that we could raise funds to help those who were suffering from the bushfires raging across the country at the time. I spent some time today remembering the warmth that filled the church during that concert, and hope that what we did that night, and at the concert the next day, brought some relief to those dealing with the loss of their homes. Thank you again to all who played, & all who attended 🌹

It’s been a busy time here, with a lot of upheaval over the last couple of weeks. One constant has been my score prep, as I continue to progress towards the next Ady Ensemble project in a couple of month’s time.

Well I didn’t think that I’d be back so quickly, but I’ll be taking tonight’s Brisbane City Pops Orchestra rehearsal tonight as well. Lots of score prep to be done. Nothing like a bit of adrenaline to keep it real.
…and coffee.

Dreams of the Earth nominated!

I’m currently in quarantine since a couple of days ago, when I came down with Covid. However, todays news that Corrina Bonshek’s, “Song to the Earth”, that myself and the Ady Ensemble recorded, and which was released just over a year ago, has been nominated for an award at this year’s Queensland Music Awards. This is very exciting news, and just what I needed to hear today. It’s also been exciting to see two other artists whom I have worked with nominated. Congratulations all of you!