Fiori Musicali Evocation

 Dot and I had a wonderful experience a few days ago. We went to a new and mind-blowing musical event of a kind I'd never previously seen. It was brilliant and I'd recommend its adoption where possible.

Basically, it was about celebrating beautiful artworks in Armidale's wonerful art gallery. And the music was songs about various art-works. However, the songs were - I gather - written specifically for this occasion. And the songs were delivered by Armidale's Fiori Musicali which on this occasion comprised 6 sopranos, 6 Altos, 6 tenors, and 5 basses. The conductor was Inga Brasche and the choir was aided by a pianist, a cello, and an oboe.

The first two pictures below show the room at NERAM where the event was held. They were taken as the enthusiastic crowd assembled. 

And here's Fiori Musicali at the beginning of the performance.

And here are some of NERAM's lovely pictures that were subjected to song. Each was, in turn, illuminated as shown here.

I've rarely such an enthused audience. But the occasion was highly innovative, beautiful, well-delivered, and merged differing art-forms. I'm hoping for another such performance in the near future. Armidale may only have 25,000 people, but many are creative and innovative. It offer a lovely life-style.

AS

75th Anniversry of the Hunter River Lancers

 We live in an increasingly military age with horrible consequences for nations and regions. So it was with some relief that Armidale this week welcomed a local military group - the Hunter River Lancers (HRL) - who were granted freedom of the city to celebrate 75 years since its foundation post world-war 2. They, in turn, were successors to a hugely esteemed military group ... the Australian Light horse (ALH) ... which had many members from our region.

The ALH had quite a bit to do in helping to set up the current conflict between Israel and Hamas! Based in of all places, Gaza, they attacked the Turks at Beersheba in what is now Israel and their stunning victory started the removal of the Turks from Palestine. That in turn gave the UK postwar management of Palestine ultimately leading to foundation of the state of Israel post WW2.

Interstingly, Armidale's Light Horse Museum is located on a large block of land called GAZA!! Fortunately, this has not been attacked by Israel and nor does it accommodate Hamas!!

The HRL troops assembled on our creek-land pasture before taking part in a parade to the town centre and on to the city's main central park for the ceremony. The first picture shows the parkland concerned and one of the horses.

We also saw a military truck somewhat camouflaged. 

The main group of troops assembled near where Dot and I were standing.

And a band played aprporpiate music aided by the drummer show here.

At the start of the march, this truck appeared to lead the parade only to be overtaken by a horse which in turn led to troops marching to the town centre..

Two trucks followed before several guys on horseback trotted forward.

They, in turn, were followed by an elderly group of former military personnel headed by two holding a banner. They were followed by a another guy on horseback.

And here is the first destinantion: the town centre. The building on the topright is the Armidale post-office. Many members of the public gathered here. You can see some of the marchers beyond nearing the central park in the next block.

Alas, Dot and I had to go elsewhere so we missed the final cermony.
Nevertheless, it was a very interesting and memorial event. And it reminded us of how well Australia is travelling right now. We're a multinational country with strong ties to many adjacent nations.

Some Events Last Week - end of October 2023

 Armidale might only have a population of 25,000 but it's host to many extremely interesting events. Here are some of the things that interested my in the last week of October. The first item isn't confined to Armidale. It's a picture of avery large moon taken from our garden.

These next two pictures were taken at an event organised by Armnidale's Smart Regional Incubator (SRI) which focusses on promoting local businesses and infrastructure. This event last Thursday focussed on expanding the region's huge role in delivering green electricity to northern NSW - through wind, phot-volcaic cells, and hydro. Numerous regional leaders - as shown here - discussed best options and managment for the transition. I've known Lou Conway standing on the left for many years and she's head of the SRI.

Two days later I found myself at Armidale's commercial Art Gallery for a book launch. Armidale has regional Australia's largest art gallery with many classical art-works created over perhaps the last 150 years. The town gallery - shown in the first 2 pictures below - sells the often magnificent work of contemporary local artists.

However, what really attracted me to the event shown was the launch of a book bringing together the art-works of a friend of mine - Terry Cooke - shown below addressing the large audience. Some of his work is shown in the picture two-above, but he also placed his recent work in a lovely bookl focussing on his perceptions of Armidale and its region.

The next day, Sunday, saw the monthly Markets in the Mall, which Dot and I attend regularly looking for local foods and heaps of local creations - clothing, equipment, art-work, and stalls promoting their political, cultural or charitable activities. There's usually a collection of musicians like the excellent group shown below.

 Life here is not at all boring, but rather attractive as many of my posts to this blog regularly show.

Why don't you come and live here?

Cheers, Tony