Tait Memorial Trust

‘Concert for John Rendall’ – May 25th

Chelsea Theatre, 7 World’s End Place. London SW10 0DR

Wednesday 25th May 2022

Presented by Ross Alley | Musical director: Chad Vindin

Featuring Tait Awardees & Dancers from Australia & New Zealand

Guest artists Rambert School and English National Ballet School

Join us for this special concert dedicated to the life of the ‘Lion Man’, our beloved Tait Trustee, John Rendall (1944-2022).

Includes post concert reception with a light supper to meet the artists in the Chelsea Theatre bar. Please note a pay bar will be available. To book your place click here

£35.00 – £40.00

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Concert for John Rendall (1944-2022), Trustee – Tait Memorial Trust

Dear Friends of The Tait Trust,

Earlier this year we were so sad to announce the death of John Rendall, our Trustee and long standing, noble friend. He had had a long battle with the after effects of COVID…it was so sudden and no time to say goodbye.

We are heartbroken: he was our rock, supporting all we did with such encouragement and wise judgement since becoming a Trustee 7 years ago. Prior to that, for almost our entire history he supported all our events, bringing many guests and introducing many new supporters to us, and also publicising us in the press when he worked for “Hello” Magazine.

Very recently we had begun to make plans for the Tait’s 30th Anniversary concert and celebrations – he was full of so many ideas, and we were due to meet to talk it all through before our next meeting but sadly he was gone.

He was always so kind and friendly to everyone, and totally original in everything he did. His Australian humour and “joie de vivre” always led us astray! His knowledge of Africa and wildlife was extraordinary (not to mention his daring!) and how he managed his hectic social life, and his deep love for his family.

John’s help in restoring the Chelsea Theatre at World’s End in the Kings Road will be one of his lasting legacies; the Trust was honoured to give the first concert there last September after the refurbishments. He had put so much energy and commitment into making the project work through the turmoil of the rebuild, and the early days of sorting out the challenges of the new management. His final reward was to find Paul Adlam to manage the theatre, and thus his dream came true. John proudly opened the proceedings for our last concert. You can watch it here

It is for this reason that we have decided to dedicate our next concert to John’s memory. Ticket’s are available via the link above or click here. The concert has been carefully curated by Ross Alley and will feature Tait Awardees and young dancers from the Rambert School, and the English National Ballet School

I also attach below the links to his Times Obituary and a clip of Christian the Lion’s return from the jungle – it is an extraordinary film. Times Obituary Christian the Lion

With a heavy and sad heart, a light has gone out in London, in Australia and Africa, and in our lives.

Rest in peace, John. We shall miss you deeply, but your soul will always be with us.

Love Isla

Isla Baring OAM

Chairman

Tait Memorial Trust

The Tait Memorial Trust was formed in 1992 by Isla Baring OAM in memory of Sir Frank and Viola, Lady Tait and the Tait brothers who played such an important part in the establishment of theatre and the performing arts in Australia & New Zealand. The Trust offers awards/grants for postgraduate study, performance opportunities to young musicians and performing artists from Australia and New Zealand, and general help in the furtherance of their careers while resident in the UK.

Registered U.K Charity: 1042797
info@taitmemorialtrust.org

The Tait Memorial Trust

The Tait Memorial Trust is a charitable organisation based in London, which aims to promote and celebrate Australian and New Zealand cultural life, by offering scholarships, performing opportunities and mentoring to young musicians and dancers who wish to pursue their advanced studies in the United Kingdom.

Since 1992 the TMT has helped over 300 awardees. Violinist Emily Sun (2016 awardee) won the 2018 ABC Young Performers Award in Sydney (fellow Tait Awardees Andrey Lebedev (guitar) & Waynne Kwon (cello) were also in the final), and soprano Lauren Fagan recently appeared in Wagner’s Ring Cycle at the ROH, Covent Garden and represented Australia in the 2019 Cardiff Singer of the World.

Other distinguished Awardees include dramatic contralto Liane Keegan, dancer Chloe Keneally 2019 Winner of the BBC Young Dancer Competition (Classical Ballet Category) and Grand Finalist, pianist Jayson Gillham, and saxophonist Amy Dickson.