Clara and Friends

Instruments

9 Jul

Written By Ann Bray

Clara/MetSO & our
MetSO Young Artists
have been invited
by U3A
to present at their State Library
Arts Perspectives Seminar
July 15th, 2023

Our wonderful friends from
Echoes of Ukraine Choir
have also been invited to perform.

Background

Dear Readers – the next instalment in the adventures of one of our MetSO voices – Clara the Violin - who was traced right back to her original tree. Clara was made by Australian Luthier Bernard McLean.

For those who have not happened across Clara’s story thus far - the 2-Part Clara’s Voice series links, and the subsequent Clara’s Secrets link are provided :

Clara's Voice - Part 1

Clara's Voice - Part 2

Clara's Secrets

Many are still coming across the amazing Clara Stories, and passing them onto their friends to enjoy. The wonderful people at U3A (Canning Bridge) have just had such an experience - of discovering the remarkable tale of Clara’s origins and adventures; U3A have asked if we could give a presentation about Clara, and her Metropolitan Symphony Friends at their upcoming 2023 Arts Perspectives Seminar at the State Library on July 15th.

MetSO, our wonderful MetSO Young Artists, and Clara are honoured to be included as some of U3A’s musical representatives on the day.

We are grateful for the kind participation of several of our MetSO Young Artists in this U3A event :

Madeleine Wickham Brown - Soprano
Ellie Malonzo - Violinist / Composer
Chern Yue Khor - Pianist
Charis Postmus - Soprano - Classical & Jazz

We are also thrilled that this season’s young violinist Ellie Malonzo is happy to get to know Clara for this presentation / performance.

Ellie Malonzo

Clara recently had a lovely visit with Ellie, in the lead up to this U3A event.

Here are some of the delightful Ellie’s thoughts on meeting, and getting to know Clara McLean, prior to their upcoming performance :

“
As I tuned Clara, I wasn’t sure if she would be a bit standoffish. I hoped to make friends with her quickly so that we could interact and form a bond over the course of the hours I was spending with her. Initially, she seemed hesitant – almost as if she didn’t want to be played by some stranger she hadn’t met, which is understandable of course!
But once I played the G string, a whole new world of possibilities opened up almost instantly. It was like Clara was made for her G string to be played. She became so warm and welcoming, not to mention extremely responsive, and began singing in her true voice as if I was no longer unknown to her, but a close companion who had abided by her closely for many years. I knew that Clara and I were going to be friends by then, and we enjoyed playing together for several hours, until we were both totally at ease with each other.
I’m greatly anticipating playing Clara at the library! I will be glad to see her again, spend some more time with her and ultimately share a performance with such a beautiful comrade.
“

Performances also by the following fantastic MetSO Young Artists :