Australia Day 2017

A new year presents new challenges and I’ve certainly put my hand up for that! I find that when you have a goal you also develop a sense of direction. My goal this year is to learn a large range of organ repertoire and what better way to do that by locking in and presenting a series of organ recitals. The first recital off the rank was on January 26, 2017 (Australia Day) at St Stephen’s, Macquarie St, Sydney. I was kindly invited to give this recital by the Director of Music, Mark Quarmby. As I had to travel up to Sydney, I made good use of the trip by catching up with other organist friends, playing another Sydney City organ and attending two other organ recitals. It was an exhausting but rewarding few days. Many thanks to Pastor de Lasala who assisted with my page turning and registrations on the day.

I was also very honoured to be nominated for Young Citizen of the Year for the Albury City Awards held on Australia Day too (!), Noreuil Park. I was nominated for services and public awareness for the Arts, Media and Entertainment culture for Albury City. My wife, Leysa Flores, attended the ceremony as my proxy. I did not take out the prize, but it was given to a more deserving Emma Aldrich who excelled in volunteer and support work. Congratulations Emma!

My next recital will be at St Matthew’s Church, Albury on Tuesday February 28, 1.10pm – 1.50pm. I will be aiming to give monthly recitals as part of their “Tuesday Tunes” series. More details are available on the St Matthew’s website.