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Media Release
12 September 2007
Highlands Prepares for International Piano Competition
ABC’s Damien Beaumont to compere final concert
While competitors from all of the world and all over Australia are busy honing their skills for the upcoming Southern Highlands International Piano Competition, organisers of the event are hard at work preparing for their arrival and staging the event.
Malcolm Yell, Chairman of SHIPC is pleased to announce that the ABC’s Damien Beaumont will be the official compere of the Finals night featuring the Wollongong Symphony Orchestra at Clubbe Hall, Frensham, Mittagong on October 6th.
“We are absolutely delighted that Damien will be the compere for the Finals concert. He has many fans in the Highlands and throughout Australia. His involvement in the event will add an extra bit of magic to the evening,” said Malcolm Yell.
Damien was raised on a dairy farm in the idyllic surroundings of the Adelaide Hills. He vividly recalls his father, a singer (and dairy farmer), performing in musicals such as Oklahoma, Rudigore and The Mikado.
"I remember being transfixed by the fact that when ever people were presented with a problem, they'd break into spontaneous song and dance to resolve all of their issues - something I still like to practice to this day! But, it was from these early experiences that my absolute love of all music first blossomed - it was just an integral part of my growing up." said Damien.
As a young boy, his 3 older siblings, (all girls), used to make him stand on the Hill's Hoist in their backyard and sing to the elderly neighbour who lived down the valley and up a hill nearly a kilometre away - is it any wonder he went on to the Adelaide Conservatorium, to major in vocal studies. He then followed the well-worn path to London to continue his music studies,
" I met some amazing people there, including that great pianist, Geoffrey Parsons who offered, after a rather long dinner party at his house, to accompany me - his choice: The Erlking by Schubert, and what key would you like it in? He asked - I was so frightened I couldn't even remember my name let alone what key I had once sung that notorious song. But what a surprise to all present, most of all to me, that through the haze of 'one' glass of wine, I actually remembered all of the words, in German of course - so I can claim that I've been accompanied by Geoffrey Parsons... although regrettably not professionally!”
Damien joined ABC Classic FM as the Marketing Manager, but couldn't resist the challenge of being behind the microphone. So, who is Damien Beaumont? One thing is for certain: he's a man passionate about many things.
"Life is far too short not to ride your bicycle everywhere you can; life's too short to eat bad food, drink mediocre wine and listen to music that has no soul or meaning; life's too short not to discover the great joy of being owned by a cat and a dog; life's too short not to inspire yourself to do things that at one time you may have been too frightened to attempt, but most of all, life is too short not to smile and laugh at every possible moment!"
Damien brings you 'Just Classics', two hours of the best loved classical masterpieces every weekday from 11.05am to 1.00pm.
The Southern Highlands International Piano competition will begin on Sept 29th with the Judges Launch Recital evening when the Highlands will be treated to performances by world famous artists from Mira Yevtich, Marilyn Meier and Grant Foster.
The heats and semi finals will be held at Chevalier College in Burradoo from Sept 30th and the Finals will be held at Clubbe Hall, Frensham, Mittagong on Sunday, October 6th.
Tickets for all performances are available from the Visitor’s Information centre, Mittagong
ph: 1300 657 559.
For further information please visit www.shipc.org.au
Ends
Media Interview and Enquiries – Vanessa Rodeghiero – Avanti Communications - 0414 991150
Photography available
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