April 25th 2005, Anzac Cove, Gallipoli. The 90th Anniversary of The Landing Dawn Service.
The Peter Sculthorpe String Quartet (Chris Latham, Veronique Serret, Stephen King, Sally Maer) with didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton.
“90 Years Ago” written and spoken by Rupert McCall.
This Poem, this music, this place… this was one of the most extraordinary and unforgettable experiences of my life.
Yesterday, I listened to a serviceman say that ANZAC Day is never to celebrate war, but to honour those who served, give our support to the families who have lost their loved ones, and to try to navigate away from these times repeating. Given the terrifying events of the world today, it is very much worth coming together and reflecting together.
I trust and believe in the beauty of music, words, and the silence in between, to heighten our awareness, gather our thoughts and carry out our own acts of peace.
Lest we forget 🕊️
I’m so sad to hear of the passing of the amazing, lovely and witty as anything James Valentine. Always kind, always so interesting to have natter with and such fun. I will remember his support many years ago, when he had a some cellist on his show for an hour. It made such a difference to my world. I will think of James often, and it will make me smile. My deep condolences to all who crossed paths and of course his family.
Reposted from @erinmortimermusic and @abciview@cityrecitalhall for THE PIANO.
If you switch on the television very soon, (how very 1950s…) to @abciview you will see the beautiful @erinmortimermusic on “The Piano” singing and playing the most gorgeous song she wrote for her dad with dementia.
If you don’t blink too much, you may spot some woman playing the cello with her.
Erin’s pretty spesh. This one hit home for me.
Have tissues nearby xx💛xx
Warning: Magnifying glass required 🔍🔍🔍
I loved being a cellist and part time seagull (if you know, you know) for @thewhitlams.official at the @civictheatrenewcastle last weekend. Tim’s got serious chops and those songs tend to leave a lump in my throat.
Long live the Whitlams.
They’re pretty awesome. 💛🎶
Here’s the thing…
🎉A week or so ago, I turned 50. 🎉
It is just fantastic. Seriously - the best feeling.
So now I am very wise ON PAPER.
This is my friend Pat.
He’s awesome.
Sometimes, I feel like his auntie, because he is just starting his music career - even though he’s been gigging for ages (and gosh I know how that feels) and also because I just can’t help auntie-ing sometimes. 💛
He has a single called “Memphis” out now. Buy it. You’ll like it. 🎶
This isn’t it. ⬇️
THIS is what happens when a kind and talented bloke learns a song for some middle aged woman, just because he’s really bloody lovely.
Pat, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I love it!
I’ll be at the next gig. Dancing and cheering too loudly. The usual.
#bornagainwildcard
@rolemodel
🎉Guys, guys - my wrist is nearly back to normal! I am doing all the things - ALL THE THINGS - that I was doing pre wrist break! 🎉
It still feels a teeny bit stiff and I am still working to get 100% flexibility and strength. There are a couple more degrees to go, (I get measured regularly which makes me feel like a cheerleader hoping to still fit the costume…) but it’s really close! I have the best hand therapists, surgeons and friends checking in. There was also a fair amount of grit, determination and wee bit of luck in the DNA department too.
I am so grateful and SO RELIEVED! The exercises were not easy or particularly pleasant, but you know, when you’re determined and the cello is looking at you longingly, and your beautiful students want you to be mended…you’ve just got to try. 🥰
Plus - The best ‘usband in the universe! ♥️
I would have smiled more for the photo, but the sun was in my eyes. 😊
Anyway, I’m sure you’re busy.
Ciao xx
#spreadingthecellolove
The job that didn’t feel like a job. Every moment was sheer joy working on a little corner of this most amazing project, and in the best company of people who I want to be when I grow up.
Actually I think I’m older than everyone - But hey! Facts.
😍😍😍
#lordofthesoil
#spreadingthecellolove
#shortfilmaustralia
6 weeks ago I was in Quebec and broke my wrist.
Thought about how to not shock everyone and try to ease into this post a bit. But fcuk it.
So…
6 weeks ago I broke my wrist. (right side)
5 weeks ago I had surgery.
4 weeks ago I was in tears at some point nearly every day. And then felt worse as friends of mine are going through much harder things than me.
3 weeks ago we arrived back in Australia much later than planned. (It cost an arm…)
2 weeks ago I started teaching all my lovely students.
1 week ago I felt like I was starting to get somewhere with all the hand and wrist therapy I’m having.
Today I feel ready to share this as I think I’m less gloomy and more Look-out-I’m-making-a-come-back-y. Even though I am bloody knackered from being injured and doing all my hand and wrist exercises and fall asleep more than usual.
Although that might just be because I’m older…
6 weeks ago was also my 11th wedding anniversary! ♥️Happy Anniversary darling. Sorry we didn’t get time to celebrate that day with the 2 hour drive to Montreal hospital for where our amazing ER doctor friend straightened my crooked wrist out under sedation.
😱 (Next level of friendship unlocked.)
The cello… the bow arm…
I mean, is there a worse bone in the body for a cellist to break?
But I’m determined, have great hand therapists, beautiful people around me and the will to make it work again.
I was going to post photos of titanium wrist X-rays, snow and bruises… but instead here is a happy cello snap, a card from a young student and lovely messages from friends who heard me on the wireless. I want to look forwards and visualise the best outcome.
Québec, I still love you but it’s safe to say that my appreciation of snow and Canadian Winters is currently at a low ebb.
And if you ask me how this happened I’m going to tell you I fought off a bear, because slipping over when walking in a snowy forest is just starting to sound very boring. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. 🐻🐾🇨🇦🐻🐾🇨🇦🐻🐾🇨🇦🐻
Blue sequins first oxygenated in 2011 with the cello.
Blue sequins reincarnated 2024.
And if you aren’t holding a cello, be sure to hold a spring roll. 🙌
#school #mid #middleage #sequins #cello #cellist #cellolove #lifewithacello #strings #abcclassics #abcclassicfm #recording #recordingartist #centralcoastmusic #sydneymuso #musician #performer #classicalmusic #symphony #sydney #sallymaer #sallymaercelloplayer #cellistlife #celloplayer #cellistsofinstagram #cellolife #cellistsoftheworld #classical
Here I can be seen out of my natural habitat, in the days when I used to play in a Perth band. About 200 years ago. *sigh*
Mojos, North Freo, late nineties. (That’s 1990s…)
The band are currently half re-formed - staying at my house right now. The guitar is out. The cello is on its way. It’s on.
Good people, good times 💛🎶💛🎶💛
#lifewithacello
#spreadingthecellolove
A belated but big WELL DONE TO ALL THE DEDICATED MUSIC HSC STUDENTS THIS YEAR!!!
I played with the loveliest bunch at our school. Being a part of the whole process and seeing it all coming together is pretty special. I am in awe of my colleagues and always inspired by the students. We definitely had magic in the room.
🧚♀️✨🧚♀️
Meanwhile, the school orchestra rehearsals go like this… “Would you like to put your cellos in my teaching room during the lunch break?”
I mean, these kids 🥰
#spreadingthecellolove
#proudteacher
