You can watch David's presentation here: https://youtu.be/E_ls2Hwh6QU
Cathy Rogers wrote: "In a series of comments from a cast of 17 eminent musicians, composers and musical entrepreneurs, David Kram has powerfully drawn our attention to one of the most important foundations of our intellectual, social and emotional well being, music in all its forms. The context of COVID has highlighted many issues, some new, some long-standing. Despite many unsettling themes, the overall tenor (no pun intended) was inspirational.
The comments were structured around five themes: personal perspectives, organizations, government, values and final comments. We heard that the arts were already fractured, and are now decimated. For performers and audiences, the future is uncertain, at best. For musicians themselves, financial and artistic imperatives demand, and are giving rise to, new ways of thinking.
Our government's indifference to the arts in general contrasts to many other governments around the world which place a high value on its importance. This despite the well - documented social and economic contributions to society. An inspiring exception to that indifference was Sir Rupert Hamer, a previous Premier of Victoria and a strong supporter of the arts. He is remembered walking around the VCA campus, talking with staff and students, his message being 'you young people are of value'.
We were reminded of the shameful treatment of musicians by the MSO earlier this year when all musicians were sacked. This had devastating consequences for the musicians and indeed will have for the future of the MSO; how can that organization look any musician in the eye in future? Loyal patrons and supporters of the MSO are left bereft.
All is not lost, however, for performers and audiences. Musicians themselves have risen to the occasion. We heard about the creation of the Melbourne Digital Concert Hall, brainchild of cellist Chris Howlett and others. Using digital technology and streaming, musicians are performing and audiences are listening. Kawai donated a piano, and hundreds of concerts have taken place. Almost all of the ticket price of around $24 goes to the musician(s) with a minimal amount to support associated admin and streaming costs. So far around $750,000 has gone directly to musicians.
In other good news, The Ring will be performed next year with an all-Victorian cast. The venue will be the Athenaeum Theatre, where the stage can be extended into the body of the theatre to accommodate musicians, and the audience seated safely upstairs. The audience numbers of 7 - 800 will render this undertaking financially viable, supported by the philanthropy of Hans Henkell.
There are so many moving moments in David's documentary. We hear Deborah Cheetham describing her initial concerns around the future of solo and composition work - 'how to reconnect to her compositional voice' - which became a mirror to understanding past indigenous suffering. Not that she was equating the two in terms of magnitude. Telling the truth through the powerful medium of music is essential, she says, to the broader fabric of society, to our ways of being. And Deborah sees an opportunity to 're-imagine how we create our art together'.
Some common themes emerged. Collaboration, education (especially of young children) and diversification already form part of the life of musicians, but are emphasized in our new world. Performances in smaller venues, soirees and chamber music concerts, at ceremonies and rituals such as weddings and funerals.
And finally, a wish from Monica Curro: a portfolio of Arts, Health and Education.
David Kram, we thank you."
