Richard Bonynge 90th Birthday Gala Concert, 29 September 2020
The Tait Memorial Trust presented an online concert to celebrate the 90th birthday of Australian international conductor and pianist, Maestro Richard Bonynge AC CBE, Life President of the AMF.
The concert was specially curated by Australian concert pianist Rosemary Tuck, and the cast of Australian and New Zealand international artists presented a programme including excerpts from Norma, I Capuleti ed I Montecchi, The Pearlfishers and Giuditta. Dancers from The Royal Ballet, artistically directed by retired Royal Ballet principal dancer Leanne Benjamin AM OBE, performed excerpts from ballets conducted, and in some cases discovered, by Maestro Bonynge during his long and illustrious career.
The event also included special guest appearances by internationally acclaimed opera producer and director, John Copley CBE, and retired politician, broadcaster and lawyer, David Mellor QC.
The concert was opened by AMF Chairman, soprano Yvonne Kenny AM (pictured), and AMF alumni - cellist Waynne Kwon, soprano Valda Wilson and baritone Jeffrey Black - all took taking part, in acknowledgement of Maestro Bonynge’s many years of support as Life President of the AMF.
Many thanks to the Tait Memorial Trust and all involved in this wonderful tribute.
Recorded at the Australian High Commission, London
