Melbourne: Caring For The Classics

CLASSICAL music didn't appeal to me in any way until, say, about 10 years ago. As a child, I remember my parents listening to it all the time. I suppose I reacted against it.

Maybe missing the European Cup final (as it was then known in 1976) between Bayern Munich and St. Etienne (I was a football nut) - to be dragged off instead to a classical music concert at the Albert Hall - cemented my decision to tune out Bach, Strauss and their contemporaries. 

But nowadays, for whatever reason, I find it relaxing and calming. When driving, which can be stressful, I'd much rather listen to classical than anything else.

Consciously, I haven't tried pushing my musical choices on to my children. Zenchai just happens to have a varied taste. For instance, he likes Bob Marley, Cat Stevens, Krishna Das, Norah Jones, Nirvana, but also classical music.

One morning, while chatting over breakfast here in Melbourne, Zenchai was listening to Classic FM (because it reminds him of his grandparents' home in England). 

And his ears pricked up when he heard of a 24-hour concert in Melbourne billed as Care Aware. The idea of a 24-hour concert seemed to confound him. The DJ then said to listeners to pick up something (weighing about the same as a violin) and to hold it in a violinist's position for around three minutes. Zenchai gave it a try, but couldn't do it.

I explained to him that in the concert the musicians would probably have to hold on to their instruments for the best part of a full day. He was intrigued.

The next step was to get tickets, as I knew he was interested. They were free, too. But as the concert by the 200-strong Impossible Orchestra was to raise awareness and money for the millions of carers in Australia who go unpaid, we made an online donation and booked our seats.

Seats could be booked for three-hour portions only, which was long enough for a six-year-old. The concert started at 5pm on a Saturday and finished at that time the following day. Zenchai and I went for the climax.

Zenchai particularly enjoyed getting dressed up and feeling more grown up, borrowing some clothes from a friend (thanks, Kyle). 

The gig took place in Melbourne city at Hamer Hall. We took the train in from Bonbeach and found the venue easily enough - about one minute walk from Flinders Street station. Collecting tickets was simple. The seats were comfy. We then listened and watched. One listener described it as an "educational eargasm".

I was surprised by how much Zenchai got into it, applauding after the various pieces were played and asking about the different instruments, the cameramen, lighting etc. I answered what I could. 

During one interval we went outside and wondered around the Sunday Market. At a stall (noworriescurries.com) selling Indian spices, Zenchai and I chatted with the owners. They were so taken with Zenchai that the lady kindly gave us some extras. 

We went back in for the conclusion of the concert. I didn't pressure Zenchai to stay until the end, but he chose to remain. It gave me an opportunity on the train on the way home to talk with him about carers and what they do and how selfless they are. How this affects him I don't know. 

But the outing, I know for sure, was a big success. 

Comments

[Boxing Man]

Claude, only today - after reading a 'where are they now' topic on Boxrec - have I discovered that you and your family are experiencing such a wonderful adventure. You did a lot for British boxing and maybe we'll get you back some day (which would be great, for us) but, for you and yours, I hope we don't and you are able to keep doing what you're doing. Good on you.

[Claude]

Many thanks. Nice to be missed, of course and thanks for your generous (albeit anonymous) comments which are obviously sincere. I'm in a very different world now, as you can see, though certainly no less challenging.