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Lachlan Monaghan with Isla Baring OAM at Tait's Winter Prom 2011

Recent News

The Tait Trust are so saddened by the loss of our Patron Googie Withers, CBE AO. (1917 - 2011)

She was a close family friend of the Tait's, we meet her and her husband John McCallum, when John became a business partner at JC Williamsons with Sir Frank Tait. She remained a great family friend over the next 40+years.

Googie performed in public for over sixty years; in ballet, as a star of the screen, stage, TV in the UK and latterly in Australia. She was a glamour girl — describes as "an erotic quality, strange and provocative by Michael Powell, a serious actress — Shakespeare to Rattigan, and finally a veteran trouper with over sixty films — The Lady Vanishes 1938 to Shine 1994. She often appeared with her husband, the actor John McCallum, who was also a Tait Patron. Their daughter, Joanna is also part of the Tait Trust Committee.

Her most beautiful features were her blond hair, big round eyes, disarming smile and a sense of humour, she was loved by all she met and worked with. She was honoured with a CBE (2002) and AO (1980). She will be deeply missed.

Recent Event

An evening with Southbank Sinfonia

in support of the Sir Charles Mackerras Chair

With special guests: Danielle De Niese soprano and David Syrus conductor

Wednesday 29 June 2011 at Australia House

The evening helped raise £8000 towards the Sir Charles Mackerras Chair at Southbank Sinfonia

photo on right Danielle De Niese and Isla pre-concert




Programme:
Coady Green to play Rakhmaninov Second Sonata, original version 1913.
Louise Prickett to sing:
Sky Ingram to sing:
Kylie Los to accompany.

7 for 7.30pm
Suggested donation of £18 to include drink and canapes £10 for Tait Friends
RSVP or for information on the Tait Friends programme
please email info@taitmemorialtrust.org or phone 020 7351 0561.

An evening with Southbank Sinfonia in support of the Sir Charles Mackerras Chair

With special guests: Danielle De Niese soprano and David Syrus conductor

Wednesday 29 June 2011 at Australia House

Lady Mackerras and the Tait Memorial Trust, is delighted to invite you to join Southbank Sinfonia for a gala evening at Australia House on Wednesday 29 June from 6.30pm.

Tickets: suggested donation £45; proceeds from this event will go towards the orchestra’s Sir Charles Mackerras Chair, a lasting tribute to the late maestro’s legacy.

We do hope you can join us for this very special event RSVP by Friday 17 June to Hannah@southbanksinfonia.co.uk on 020 7921 0378. Or Please make cheques payable to ‘Tait Memorial Trust’ and send to: Southbank Sinfonia, St John’s Waterloo, Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8TY. Alternatively, donations can be made online at http://www.justgiving.com/taitsouthbanksinfonia

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Peter Sculthorpe Djilile; Small Town;
Shining Island: Remembering Henryk Górecki
(European première)
Samuel Barber Knoxville: Summer of 1915
Peter Sculthorpe Second Sonata for Strings
Aaron Copland Appalachian Spring

£8, £12, £18, £25 from Barbican Box Office
www.barbican.org.uk/eticketing



Programme
• Bach • Elgar • Glazunov • Mozart • Fauré • Sibelius • Sculthorpe • Grainger • Betjeman

In memory of
Dame Joan Sutherland AC OM DBE
John McCallum, AO CBE
and Pat Tudor

7 for 7.30pm
Suggested donation of £35/£30 Concessions Available
Drinks and canapes
RSVP on 020 7385 2719 or info@taitmemorialtrust.org

Recent events


Conductor, Pianist, Expert on Bel Canto and its music, the man who helped to make Dame Joan Sutherland a star – he was the only the man who brought her voice to be known all over the world as La Stupenda. How did it all happen? How did he become not only her Svengali, but her husband?
John Amis talks to Richard Bonynge about his long relationship with Dame Joan Sutherland but also asks him about his connections with the voice, his work as a conductor, his time at Covent Garden, his career then and now. His special interest in 19th century French and Irish Opera, and 19th century ballet music. We will also coax from Mr. Bonynge his Desert ‘Isla’nd Discs.

Suggested Donation of £45 for interview and buffet dinner. RSVP to info@taitmemorialtrust.org or phone 07788 780 272
Click here for booking form

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Riddoch wines are helping to raise funds for the Tait. The premier red wine from the Coonawarra region, are hand crafted by Katnook Estate senior winemaker, Wayne Stehbens. Coonawarra is famed for its terra rossa soils which produce wines of intensity, distinction and finesse. These wines have cellared beautifully and are offered as an exclusive back vintage limited release to raise funds for the Tait Memorial Trust. Anyone can order, so please share the enclosed flyer with your friends, I’ve emailed it to the committee as well, so do forward it on. A case of 6 is £40 and £10 goes to the Tait. Click here for an order form

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Roger Woodward has kindly agreed to talk at the Melbourne Savage Club on Friday 2nd July at 7.00 for 7.30pm about his life, interests and music and, of course, to play the piano on the eve of his performance at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Saturday 3rd July in a concert to celebrate Chopin’s 200th birthday.

Resident of San Francisco, he is recipient of the Polish Order of the British Empire, Chevalier of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, and is a Companion of the Order of Australia. Roger Woodward is classified by the National Trust as one of 100 National Living Treasures. He is also a most charming and cultured man with a prodigious talent who has been performing on world stages for more than 50 years.

Proceeds from the evening shall go to The Tait Memorial Trust, a UK charity which provides awards to young Australian musicians and ballet students. The cost will be $85 per head for drinks and canapés, which includes a $50 donation to the Tait Performing Arts Association.

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It was a marvellous night for Sir Charles Mackerras hosted by the Southbank Sinfonia at Australia House on 25 May. It was a wonderful concert with The Southbank Sinfonia conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras. Tait patron Barry Humphries spoke about Sir Charles Mackerras contributions to music and his 'easy' work conducting. Past Tait award winner Catilin Hulcup sang Hansel und Gretel with Rebecca Bottone.

The Southbank Sinfonia played magnificently and their enthusiasm was fabulous to watch. The Tait is supporting the Southbank Sinfonia in an orchestral chair to honour Sir Charles Mackerras.


orchestra member, Barry Humphries, guest, Lady and Sir Charles Mackerras


Barry Humphries with Catilin Hulcup



Barry Humphries with Margot Rodges, Tait Committee Member


Two outstanding young Australian pianists!

Programme includes:
LISTZ Sposalizio
SITSKY Fantasia No. 4
RAVEL Miroirs, the complete set
BACH Toccata in G
BARTOK Six Dances in Bulgarian Rhythms
CHOPIN Berceuse opus 57 & Barcarolle opus 60
HINDSON AK-47

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Photo by Angus Forbes

Works to be played:

Debussy: Estampes

Debussy: Twelve Preludes Book II

Bach: Partita No. 6 in E minor, BWV 830

Tickets £35 to include drinks and canapes

RSVP to The Tait Memorial Trust

4/80 Elm Park Gardens London SW10 9PD

Enquiries : 020 7385 2719 or info@taitmemorialtrust.org

Entitled “Woodward’s wonderful Bach” and described as “imaginative performances by Woodward that rank alongside the very best”, Roger Woodward’s recent recording of Bach’s 48 Preludes and Fugues for Celestial Harmonies was “Editor’s Choice” in the February 2010 issue of The Gramophone. In 2009, Woodward’s performance of the two books of Debussy Préludes were released to enthusiastic reviews by the German critics who described his Debussy playing as eclipsing the performance of Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli. His recent recording of Bach Partitas for Celestial Harmonies was awarded the Preis der Deutschen Schallplatten Kritik.

Roger Woodward rose to international prominence in prestigious collaborations with Messiaen, Boulez, Barraqué, Stockhausen, Cage, Feldman, Takemitsu, Donatoni, Xenakis and Pärt, et al. Such collaborations were recorded by BBC, French and German Radio and Television and by EMI, Decca and RCA. He performs with the world’s leading orchestras including the Leipzig Gewandhaus and New York
Philharmonic under such distinguished conductors as Claudio Abbado, Zubin Mehta, Lorin Maazel, and Kurt Masur. He has directed international festivals in the UK, Austria, France and Australia.

Woodward frequently performs with the Alexander String Quartet, with whom he has recently recorded the
Shostakovich Piano Quintet and for Celestial Harmonies the Chopin F-minor Concerto. At the invitation of the late Sviatoslav Richter he also performed with the Arditti String Quartet at La Grange de Meslay, and frequently performed at the Festival d’automne à Paris and BBC Promenade Concerts.

In January 2010, he performed Xenakis in New York and the Dvorak Piano Quintet with the Alexander String Quartet in San Francisco. He will be performing in Melbourne and Sydney in May and June.
He is a recipient of the Polish Order of Merit, the OBE and Companion of the Order of Australia and is a Chevalier of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

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John Mc Callum AO CBE
14.3.1918 to 3.2.2010

It is with such nostalgic warmth and affection, that we three Tait sisters Isla, Ann and Sally pay tribute to the late John Mc Callum.

Sir Frank Tait was Chairman and Managing Director of JCWilliamsons Theatres Ltd . He invited the bright younger energetic John Mc Callum to become his partner. Their relationship was like father and son.

From 1958 to 1965 together they presented to the Australian public, many successful productions, the highlight probably being “My Fair Lady” Frank Tait’s final ambition was to present Dame Joan Sutherland to the Australian public after her international acclaim and form the Sutherland/ Willamsons Opera Company, a season never to be forgotten in Australian history. They worked tirelessly together to make this dream come true. John became sole Manager Director following our Father’s death in 1965.

He was a lifelong friend to our family; he will be sadly missed by us all.

Our deepest sympathy to Goodie, Joanna, Nicholas and Amanda and the grandchildren.

-- Isla Baring OAM, Ann Seddon and Sally Bell from Melbourne 4.2.10

Honoured to be Australian
By Ashlea Maher 20 November 2009 17:15
as reported on Australian Times

Isla Baring was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM)during a glittering evening at Australia House on Thursday, celebrating her work helping young Australians in the Arts in the UK.

THE art of supporting Australian artists in the UK has been a driving passion for Isla Baring OAM for the last 17 years, and these efforts have now been honoured at the highest level.

Ms Baring was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) at Australia House on Thursday evening for service to the Arts.


Isla Baring OAM with her granddaughter Maggie, photo by Paul Szewczyk allPhotoLondon.com

The OAM was presented to Ms Baring by the Australian High Commissioner John Dauth LVO, and a formal comment from Australian Governor General Quentin Bryce was read before the presentation.

Ms Baring, founder of the Tait Memorial Trust, was chosen as a recipient for the award due to the work the charity organisations performs in the UK.

Baring founded The Tait Memorial Trust in 1992 in memory of her father, Sir Frank Tait, and his brothers - prominent figures in Australian theatre, music and opera.

The trust helps support young Australian musicians and dancers while they are studying in the UK, offering grants, performance opportunities and career guidance.

Since 1992, the Tait Memorial Trust has raised over £100,000 to fund grants given grants to young artists and performers in the UK.

"This is a tremendous achievement," said Master of Ceremonies John Amis. Special guest, Australian actor Bryan Brown acknowledged Ms Baring's ongoing work in the UK.

"Money goes up and down, we all know that, but art is forever. Good on you, Isla," he said.

Ms Baring said the honour was hers.She took the opportunity to thank the volunteer trust committee.
“We’re a small organisation,” she said. “But the work we achieve makes a difference.”

The OAM ceremony was part of a fundraising and arts evening host by the trust at the Australian High Commission.

Mr Brown hosted a spirited fundraising auction, raising in excess of £5000 for the trust on the night. Lots included a portrait session with celebrated Australian artist June Mendoza as well as Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev’s Yves Saint Laurent designer ballet shorts, or “Rudy’s knickers” as Brown dubbed them.

Attendees were also treated to performances by Australian pianist Leslie Howard, baritone Jeremy Vinogradov, National Ballet School student Chelsea Andrejic and Rambert School of Ballet student Jessica Lyall.

Photo by Paul Szewczyk allPhotoLondon.com





Email info@taitmemorialtrust.org for more details and reply form

Recent Past Events

Thursday 25 June

An Australian Choral Evensong with the Choir of Westminster Abbey

at Westminster Abbey

5pm at Westminster Abbey London SW1P 3JX

Evensong is a daily public service at the Abbey and all are welcome to attend. On 25 June the musical elements of Choral Evensong will be by Australian composers, past and present.

Following Evensong, The Tait Memorial Trust is offering a reception and recital, hosted by The Reverend Graeme Napier, Minor Canon, in his 17th century house overlooking the Abbey’s garden. Young Australian musicians will perform.

Entrance for the reception is by a suggested donation of £30 per person. A limited number of spaces are available. The reception will be preceded by a private tour of the Abbey following immediately on from Evensong.

Tuesday 19 May 2009

Royal Over-Seas League

A Celebration Of Young Australian Music Talent

The Royal Over-Seas League and the Tait Memorial Trust present a celebration of young Australian music talent including Amy Dickson saxophone, cellist Yelian He, violinist Katerina Mitchell , pianists Jayson Gillham and Michael Ierace. Our annual performance platform of popular classics. A glass of sparkling wine is served at 6.45 and the concert will be followed by a reception.

Tickets are £25 and available from ROSL at www.roslarts.co.uk or phone 020 7408 0214 x324.

6.30 for 7pm ROSL, Princess Alexandra Hall St James’s Street London SW1A 1LR

Further details to follow, please email info@taitmemorialtrust.org

Wednesday 18 March 2009

Prokofiev: A Life of Music

John Amis and our young Tait Awardees

John Amis together with Mary Jean O’Doherty, James Homann, Amir Farid and Claire Howard present an evening on Prokofiev. Works to include Diabolique Opus 4, Toccata Opus 11, War and Peace arias, The Love of Three Oranges, Songs Without Words, Peter and the Wolf and Alexander Nevsky. Tickets £20

7 for 7.30pm 49 Queen’s Gate Terrace, London SW7

A Winter Serenade of Strings with The Chamber Strings of Melbourne

22th January 2009 6.45 for 7pm

St. Paul’s in Knightsbridge, SW1X

with guests of honour
HE Mr John Dauth LVO, Australian High Commissioner
Councillor Joanna Gardner, Mayor of the Royal Borough Kensington and Chelsea

Director of Music Christopher Martin
Orchestra Leader Felicité Heine
Piano Antony Gray

Suggested donation of £25 per ticket, includes drink and canapés please phone 020 7385 2719 or email info@taitmemorialtrust.org

Bach Concerto in D minor for 2 violins
Barber Adagio For Strings
Telemann Concerto in G major for Viola & Strings
Elgar Elegy Op 58
Williamson Concerto No. 2 for Piano & Strings
Arensky Variations On A Theme Of Tchaikovsky

Lunchtime concert on 21st January 2009

St. Margaret's in Westminster 1PM

The Tait Memorial Trust to Celebrate Australia Day
with guest of honour
Mr David Buckingham, Agent General for Victoria
Director of Music Christopher Martin
Orchestra Leader Felicité Heine

Admission by donation to St. Margaret’s. Please email info@taitmemorialtrust.org or
telephone 020 7385 2719 for more details.

Purcell Chacony in G Minor
Martin Sicilienne for Viola & String Orchestra
Vivaldi L’estro Armonico Concerto X Op 3
Sculthorpe Port Essington

In Scotland on 11th January 2009

Paisley Abbey in Paisley Scotland 3PM

Purcell Chacony in G Minor
Telemann Concerto in G Major for Viola & Strings
Barber Adagio for Strings
Arensky Variations on a Theme of Tchaikovsky
Sibelius Romanze for Strings
Vivaldi Concerto for two Violins in A minor

Director of Music Christopher Martin
Orchestra Leader Felicité Heine

For further information email info@paisleyabbey.org.uk or telephone 0141 889 7654.