More bushfire video recordings released

Dear ABBL supporter,

We hope you are all keeping safe and well. Was our concert really only a few months ago?

We are delighted to forward a selection of newly released videos from the Australian Bushfire Benefit, and hope you will enjoy reliving these musical memories of what was a very special evening. The performance features Queenslander, Annabelle Traves, who plays the violin solo.

We also attach a video of William Garnet James’ beautiful song Bush Silence, sung by mezzo soprano Helen Sherman (NSW), accompanied by pianist Joseph Havlat (TAS).

Finally, we have also attached the link to view one of the newest works on the programme, The Lake, by Ella Macens (NSW). This video will be premiered on YouTube at 8pm BST / 11am AEST on Thursday the 21st of May. Please join in as we watch with the composer live from Australia. If you watch while logged in with your YouTube account, you will be able to make live comments - we know this talented young Australian composer would love to hear from you!.

The Tait Trust are working hard to raise funds to support Tait Awardees, and the members of the ABBL Company who need assistance due to the COVID19 crisis. A good way to be a part of this is to support their online concert series, Tait Tuesdays at Home. Bridget O'Donnell (ACT) and Lotte Betts-Dean (VIC) have already performed as part of the series, and Lotte's recital is still available to view. Click here to see her performance.

Two of our ABBL guest singers, Paul Tabone (QLD) and Corinne Cowling (WA) who sang the Australian Medley [with Una Reynolds (NSW)], will be giving a musical theatre performance with Amy Manford (WA) and Rachael Birthisel (VIC) on Tuesday 12th May. To book click here.

We also have another online event coming up, featuring a very special ABBL guest artist. On Tuesday 26th May, the Tait Trust is hosting the first episode of its new ‘In Conversation’ series, which opens with Australian international conductor, Simone Young AM (NSW) in conversation with Australian stars of The Royal Ballet, Leanne Benjamin AM OBE (QLD) and Steven McRae (NSW). It will be a fascinating discussion by three giants from the performing arts sharing their thoughts about their careers, their respective art forms, and how they achieved success.

Book now for 'Simone Young in conversation with Leanne Benjamin and Steven McRae

This will be a very special Tait event.

All proceeds will be added to the Tait Emergency Relief Fund.

If you would like to be kept informed about future Tait events and would like to stay connected with the Australian artistic community in London please consider joining the Tait mailing list.

ABBL are right behind everything they are doing to support our young artists in their time of need.

With all best wishes

The ABBL Team

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Elegy, In Memoriam Rupert Brooke for harp and strings (1915)
Composer: Frederick Septimus Kelly (1881 - 1916)
ABBL Orchestra
Conductor:Toby Thatcher
Violin soloist: Annabelle Traves

'Bush Silence
William Garret James
Text by Richard Baylis
Helen Sherman, mezzo-soprano
Joseph Havlat, piano

The Lake
Composer: Ella Macens

YouTube Premiere Thursday 21st May 8pm AEST / 11am BST

ABBL Orchestra
Conductor: Toby Thatcher
Cello: Annabelle Oomens
Violin: Naoko Keatley

We thank the following organisations and individuals for their support:

Event Sponsor

Event Partners