THE community is being asked to ‘keep mum’ about the upcoming concert by Coffs Harbour City Orchestra called ‘Nostalgia’, playing at Bellingen Memorial Hall on Sunday 26 July.
The reason for secrecy is that it is a surprise for orchestra member, violinist Ruth Egan, who is celebrating her 90th birthday the day after the concert.
“Mum has been and always will be a true inspiration and role model for all,” said Ruth’s son, the orchestra’s conductor Tim Egan.
“Let’s fill the hall to celebrate an amazing lady, and if you’re reading this and know mum – we are trying to keep the fact we are honouring her a secret.”
Ruth has been a member of the orchestra since she relocated to her hometown in 1996.
It is also significant that the concert is being held in Bellingen.
“Ruth was born in Bellingen on 27 July 1936, met her husband Gordon at teachers’ college and had a successful teaching career, raising six children and continuing her passion for music alongside everything else,” Coffs Harbour City Orchestra spokesperson Cathie McIntyre said.
Ruth began playing violin at the age of five and did not put it down for the next 85 years.
She also plays viola and organ, continuing her community service through her beloved Catholic Church.
‘Nostalgia’, the concert, features musical themes to evoke memories.
The orchestra will present some of Ruth’s favourite pieces, ‘Les Misérables’, ‘Sleeping Beauty Waltz’, ‘Egmont Overture’ and ‘The Homefront’, a medley of much-loved war time classics.
“A highlight will be playing Haydn’s ‘Farewell’ symphony.
“The history of this piece is amazing and has a comical side,” Ms McIntyre said.
In 1772, court orchestra patron Prince Nikolaus Esterházy had imposed an extended summer stay on the musicians, but they wanted to go home to their families.
“So clever Haydn, as Artistic Director, composed a symphony, impressive and well-composed musically, [during] which, as it progressed, musicians would walk off the stage one by one until only two violinists were left.”
Prince Esterházy understood the musical message perfectly and allowed his homesick musicians to return to their families the following day.
“For our concert the last two violinists remaining on the stage will be Ruth (90) and our youngest violinist, Daniel (15),” Ms McIntyre said.
“It will be pretty special.”
By Andrea FERRARI
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