Composers of the Great War

Tall tales (but true) of six composers who served & survived

Robert Harris is a classical violist, strings teacher and music adjudicator, who recently departed Sydney for life in the Hunter Valley.  During his musical career, Robert has toured over thirty countries with many professional ensembles and was Principal Viola of the Australian Chamber Orchestra. He has performed in classical concerts, for Opera Australia and for touring celebrities, such as Pavarotti, Barbra Streisand, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stevie Wonder and more. Robert’s presentations for historical societies, Probus Clubs and schools are just one of his semi-retirement projects.

This presentation is a commentary to be complemented by images and musical interludes. Robert will discuss relationships between historic photographs, artworks, and great composers, such as Ralph Vaughan Williams, Fritz Kreisler, Maurice Ravel, Percy Grainger, Arthur Benjamin and Paul Hindemith.  Their music will be performed live in tunes which you know and love (or will love) – Greensleeves, Van Dieman’s Land, Love’s Sorrow, Pavane, English Country Gardens, Londonderry Air/Danny Boy, Jamaican Rumba and more. Robert’s presentation will relate surprising tales from the First World War, celebrating and commemorating not only composers but also War Poets and War Artists, highlighting the impact of war on the arts world of the time.

Spaces are limited, so book online now.