Speeches
Wednesday, 29 November 2023
Reception for Recitals Australia
It is Rod’s and my great pleasure to welcome you to Government House to celebrate Recitals Australia, and its support for the arts and in particular its contribution to our community, including to Adelaide as a UNESCO Creative City of Music.
This is the first engagement that Rod and I, as your patron, have had with Recitals Australia, having recently been invited to take on this role and we look forward to getting to know you all a little better this evening.
Recitals Australia, for more than five decades, has provided a stage for emerging musicians to share their craft and develop their skills in live performance.
I am sure we all understand and share the joy of live performance and consequently the importance of supporting emerging or pre-professional artists to gain as much experience of it as they can.
Rod and I are avid concertgoers, as are all of you, although I know some of you are musicians as well.
On that note, it has been a pleasure to provide a platform for South Australian musicians at Government House at receptions, State Dinners, and at our monthly Lunch on the Lawns.
Rod and I were particularly pleased to hear about your ‘Lunch Hour Series’, where you provide an opportunity for people to hear Schubert, Brahms, and Liszt performed by some of our most talented musicians.
These performances not only entertain – they foster a sense of connection and community through the shared experience of live music.
I also acknowledge your commitment in embracing technology to ensure that the beauty of live performances reaches an even wider audience through live streaming.
The opportunity you provide for all South Australians to enjoy the music of emerging talents is a gift to our community.
Equally commendable is the educational support, mentorship, and guidance that your organisation provides musicians.
To the artists here tonight, I thank you for the hours of practice and the energy invested in the pursuit of your musical aspirations.
I wish you all the best for your future and hope that your music continues to be a source of joy and inspiration for all who have the pleasure of listening.
Friends,
Tonight, we celebrate both those who are on the stage, and those behind the scenes, who tirelessly work to ensure that the music continues to be play played.
I recognise the challenges faced by organisations - including Recitals Australia - that are predominately reliant on philanthropy, particularly given the lingering effects of the pandemic.
I thank Recitals Australia for its strength and resilience, and its continued efforts to overcome these challenges.
It is through the commitment of the Recitals Australia board, staff, donors and supporters that the transformative power of music can continue to reach every corner of our community.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the emerging musicians of today who may very well become the maestros and virtuosos of the future.