We Remember Concert 2015
MEDIA RELEASE: 26 MAY 2015
ABOVE: The way ANZAC Day was represented to the readers of Brisbane newspaper,
“National Leader”. This art filled the 20 April 1917 edition’s front page. The inscription reads:
‘Oh, sweet and seemly so to die, indeed,
In the high flush of youth and strength and pride.
These are our martyrs, and their blood the seed
Of nobler futures. ’Twas for us they died.
Keep we their memory green.’
– From The Graves of Gallipoli in The Anzac Book.
‘WE REMEMBER…’
Marking the centenary
of the first Commemoration
Service for those who fell
at Gallipoli
The people of Brisbane began a tradition of formally honouring the sacrifice of those who fell at Gallipoli only 46 days after the landings.
On 10 June 1915 a Requiem for the Fallen took place in St John’s Anglican Cathedral and now a century later, in a grassroots movement, the community is again gathering to mark this international milestone in music, song, readings and poetry.
Canon Garland Memorial Society (the “CGMS”) president, Dr Bill Glasson AO, said today that research revealed the city’s Commemoration for the Fallen was also the first Australian, and more than likely, the world’s first service of remembrance. “As such, it would make it a precursor to our ANZAC Day,” Dr Glasson said.
“This is supported by the leading authority on the origins of ANZAC Day, the Reverend Canon Dr John Moses.
“It was official because the King’s representative, the Governor, and most politicians as well as representatives of the Allies, the Consuls of the Imperial Russian and the French Republic, both attended the service in their official capacity.
“On 9 June, St John’s Cathedral and the Canon Garland Memorial Society will honour this tradition by presenting a free-to-the-public concert – a tribute in music – featuring some amazing choirs and soloists as well as poetry reading and reading of letters from the Front.”
Participating artists include The Cathedral Choir; members of The Brisbane Chorale; The Holy Annunciation Russian Orthodox Church choir; the Brisbane Regional Youth Orchestra; several soloists – including the brilliant tenor, Gregori Scanlan; world-renowned organist, Andreij Kouznetsov; the opera-trained mezzo-soprano, Lyudmila Kelloway; and the supporting pianist will be Benjamin Drozdovskii.
It is expected that the evening event will be opened by Australia’s finest traditional didgeridoo player and a leading didgeridoo player in the classical world, Mount Isa-born William Barton, who is recently returned from an overseas tour.
Poetry reading and reading of letters from the Front will be done by the Dean of the St John’s Cathedral, Dr Peter Catt; CGMS president, Dr Bill Glasson AO; CGMS vice-president, Ross Hielscher; the Reverend Emeritus Canon Bruce Maughan, OAM RFD MACE; and the beloved doyen of Australian broadcasting, Howard Ainsworth.
The evening will finish with light refreshments and a display of photographs taken in the Middle East by the Architect of ANZAC Day, Canon David John Garland, whose favourite saying was “Nothing is Too Good for our Soldier Boys!”
When: 7.30pm, Tuesday, 9 June 2015
Where: St John’s Anglican Cathedral, Ann Street, Brisbane
Cost: Entry is free to the public
Contact: CGMS Events Manager, Con Drozdovskii
You can also read back issues of “Coo-ee”, the Society’s newsletter on Facebook. Keep up to speed by checking out the Facebook events page.
* Artist unfortunately became unavailable to perform due to illness shortly before the scheduled appearance.
