Felicity Woodhill reports on a night of exceptional music for an exceptional cause
The August 17 Music for Medicine concert at Wollongong Town Hall raised $18,000 for Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières through ticket sales and donations.
Audience members who arrived early were treated to a pre-concert by the accomplished Wollongong Flute Ensemble conducted by Suzanne Cowan in the Music Lounge.
The lights dimmed, then, with the Town Hall close to full, the evening’s music began. The rhythmic beat of traditional clapping sticks by Dr Jodi Edwards resonated through the hall as she made her way to the stage. Her Welcome to Country was in the Dharawal language. Jodi transitioned to English as she spoke of how medicine, music and healing connect. She told of her people’s tradition of crossing borders for medicines, drawing a poignant parallel to Doctors Without Borders. On stage with Jodi was the BlueScope Youth Orchestra; she spoke of the need to look out for and nurture our youth.
BlueScope Youth Orchestra’s joyful and inspiring performance drew on folk music and dance traditions. The orchestra’s polished performance reflected a demanding 2023 concert schedule, including tours to Bali and New Zealand, allowing for exceptional growth in their musicianship and performance flair. Their music offered a perfect opening, contrasting to the music that followed: a selection of works from the 1920s and 1930s that were jazz-infused and innovative.
Legendary Australian pianist Simon Tedeschi and brilliant young violin soloist Cedar Newman took to the stage with lightness and grace, a mood that would permeate their performance and invite the audience to share their joy in making music.
Individually, a command of and love for their instruments shone. Still, their exceptional ensemble playing allowed them to captivate the audience with a repertoire less well-known.
One of Newman’s first solo performances was at the Town Hall when, at age nine, she performed Vivaldi’s Spring at an Illawarra Choral Society concert. For many who have followed Newman’s development for over 10 years, the opportunity to see her perform with an artist of the calibre and generosity of Tedeschi was a special occasion.
MC Malika Reese entertained and informed the audience with her blend of enthusiasm and sincerity. And Stephen Dupont donated a stunning image to the highest direct donor to Médecins Sans Frontières.
Look out for another concert in 2024.
About the writer
Felicity Woodhill is the founder of Inspire Music Australia, mother of violinist Cedar Newman and organiser of the annual Music for Medicine fundraising concert.