| Newsletter Issue 1, March 2008 |
| President’s comments – March Newsletter 2008 |
| Dear Friends, |
|
2008 began on a very sad note as news of the death on New Years Eve of the Society’s co-founder Hedy Holt-Prochazka became known. It was lovely we were able to celebrate her 89th birthday at our Christmas function last year. Hedy had not enjoyed the best of health for some time but her death came as a shock. Our thoughts are with Roger and her family. I thought it appropriate to organize a celebration of her life as many members may not have know of or were unable to attend the funeral which took place in early January. The singers I invited to perform had had a long association with Hedy and they shared their memories as well as their talents. It was also a joy to have two of the young instrumentalists from the ANAM Secondary School programme of which Hedy has been a great supporter. I was particularly delighted that three of Hedy’s five daughters were able to join us for the occasion. My thanks to all those who participated and a special thank you to the Austrian Club for making their venue available to us. I know it brought back a lot of very happy memories for those who were present as well as some sad ones. We have been able to say thank you and goodbye, but never forgotten, to a wonderful lady who contributed so much to our Society for so many years. |
|
The last couple of months have been very hectic for me. February is a blur! The place where I was living in Kew is being demolished so I had to find other accommodation which is not so easy these days. While this was happening my Mother was offered a place in Karana Community, an aged-care facility, and she has moved in there. Unfortunately my telephone provider has failed to have my old number give a message with the new number as arranged. This has caused much difficulty and I apologize to any one trying to get in touch with me. Please note my new contact details: Ian Lowe, 168 Kilby Road, KEW EAST VIC 3102 Tel: 9857 0216 |
|
As you can appreciate my
time has been limited and I thank the committee for being patient
with me when things haven’t gone according to plan. |
| All the very best |
| Ian Lowe - President |
|
Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Victoria is presenting Lehar’s ‘The Merry Widow’ at The Alexander Theatre from 29th March to April 5th with stunning sets, gorgeous dancing and, of course, beautiful music. For further information or bookings ‘phone 9905 1111 or on-line at www.gilbertandsullivan.org.au |
From the
Editor’s
Desk
 |
|
Welcome to the first Newsletter for 2008. It was very sad to note the passing of Hedy Holt-Prochazka on New Year’s Eve but very encouraging to see over well 100 Members and Friends attend the concert at the Austrian Club to celebrate Hedy’s life. Many thanks to the Artists who gave their time so freely to perform at the concert. Hedy is gone but most certainly not forgotten. Our next concert “Dreaming of Vienna” will be held on Sunday 27th April 2008 at the Austrian Club and will feature well known artists, instrumentalists and the Gay Wightman Ballet ensemble. A flyer giving full details will posted to you along with this newsletter. A schedule of the concerts we are planning for 2008 is shown on the back page. We are sad to report that Pat Key our hard working ticket Secretary had a nasty fall a couple of weeks ago and is currently in Epworth Rehab. |
|
Until next time |
|
Kindest regards, |
|
Alan Wren Editor 1 Julia Crt, Doncaster 3108 Email:alanwren1@bigpond.com |
| Concert to Celebrate Hedy’s Life |
| Letters from Members & Friends who attended the recent concert at The Austrian Club. |
|
“We were really very pleased that we could participate in the celebration of Hedy’s life. For myself Hedy’s ‘An die Musik’ was a revelation. Although I had heard this Lied often before and even tried to sing it myself it seemed to me that Hedy’s interpretation expressed Schubert’s musical and poetical thoughts ideally in their entirety. |
| Angela” |
| “Dear Mr Prochazka, |
| Thank-you for giving me the opportunity to perform at your late Wife’s Memorial. Our family will be thinking of you at this very difficult time. |
| Kind wishes, Laurence Matheson” (Laurence was the 12 year old pianist who played at the concert. Ed.) |
 |
| The Life and Music of Robert Stolz On Radio 3MBS-FM 103.5 |
|
As part of the station’s Friday Night Specials series, 3MBS will broadcast two programs of music by Robert Stolz with short commentary on his life, on Friday 6th and Friday 13th June 2008 at 8:00pm. |
|
As well as hearing all his popular works, this will be an opportunity to listen to many of his lesser-known compositions, performed by some of the greatest singers, including Nicolai Gedda, Hermann Prey, Renate Holm, Rudolf Schock, Peter Alexander, Lucia Popp and many others. |
| This series has been prepared by Albert Whitelaw and will be presented by Ian Lowe. |
| As this is some weeks away, we urge you to make a note of the dates on the calendar or in your diary so as not to miss this exciting program |
 |
| Membership Review |
|
At the January 2008 meeting the committee reviewed, slightly modified and clarified the conditions of membership in the Society as follows |
|
|
| Membership types: |
| Dual Single |
| Membership year |
| The Society membership year is, in general, the same as the financial year: 1st July to the following 30th June. |
| Membership fees: |
| Dual Membership fee is $35 per year. This applies for the 1st 12 months of the membership. The 2nd year fee is usually less: depending on when members joined, it is pro-rated from the month of renewal to the end of the following June. The membership fee in the 3rd and in the subsequent years is $ 35 (July to June). |
| Single Membership fee is $25 per year for the 1st 12 months The 2nd year fee is pro-rated to the end of next June and then reverts to the full $ 25 for the 3rd and the subsequent years |
| Membership benefits: |
| Members receive: |
| - Right to attend, participate in and vote at the Society Annual General meeting (usually in May), |
| - Invitations to occasional special functions, |
| - Earlier notifications of forthcoming concerts (usually one week before non-members), |
| - Newsletters (as & when published – usually 3 to 4 times a year), |
| - Discounted admission fees to concerts (usually $ 8 or more per ticket). Dual membership allows purchase of discounted tickets for any two adults. |
|
For any further membership information please contact the Membership Secretary on 9762 8429. |