WORLD renowned Australian pianist David Helfgott is helping Padua College students raise funds for a “grand” vision.
The musician, made famous through the Oscar-winning movie Shine, is set to embark on a series of charity concerts in Queensland schools that aims to raise enough money to provide a professional concert grand piano for each participating school.
The concerts are backed by Ellaways Music, with Paul Ellaway hopeful the project will uncover future talent.
“The concerts will help provide a valuable music resource to Padua College (Kedron),” he said.
“A professional grand piano should last more than 50 years and it may also help uncover the next Australian pianist to grace the esteemed Albert Hall.”
Helfgott’s wife Gillian said the benefits of music in education were well documented.
“Many school music departments need extra financial support,” she said.
“David is so excited about being able to help students advance their love of music and provide a platform for the next generation of musicians.”
Helfgott’s career spans more than 40 years and his accolades include the New York Times’ Most Influential Classical Musician of the Year and a Billboard double of Classical Musician of the Year and Classical CD of the Year.
Padua College’s Susan Skoien said Helfgott would play two evening concerts on July 28 and August 2, with the $35 tickets on sale at Padua’s website www.padua.qld.edu or Ellaways Music, Gympie Road, Kedron.
Emmaus College, Beau-desert, is another to benefit from Helfgott’s concert series.
It will host two concerts on August 4 and 6, from 7-9pm.
Tickets are available online at www.ellaways.com.au/fundraising or from Emmaus College (07) 5547 9990.
