COMMUNITY members from across the Wimmera enjoyed an evening of performances at the weekend for the 15th Richard Morris Memorial Concert.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Held at the Horsham Town Hall on Saturday, the concert is a tribute to the late Richard Morris and showcases the region’s finest musical talents.
Lead organiser Jan Morris said it was a fabulous night.
“I keep thinking about how we can better it each year. It’s very humbling in a way that people continue to support it,” she said.
With 20 acts performing on the night, Mrs Morris said there something for everyone.
“The highlight for me was Holy Trinity Lutheran College’s award-winning Wakakirri performance; it was just amazing and worth the entry fee in my opinion,” she said.
The first Life Membership in the concert’s history was handed out on the night with singer Stacey Brennan inducted.
“Stacey has been a great supporter of the concert for many years. She should be very proud of herself because Life Memberships aren’t handed out lightly,” Mrs Morris said.
Ms Brennan said she had been involved in the concert for the entire 15 years of its existence.
“It promotes Richard’s memory – he was so supportive of the young people in Horsham through the arts,” he said.
“It’s a fantastic night and that’s why I’ve stuck around. I’ve also known the Morris family since I was little – I’d do anything to help them out.”
She said the Life Membership was a big surprise.
“I wasn’t expecting it at all. I just felt so much pride and happiness that I was the first one and that they would even consider doing something like that,” she said.
“It was overwhelming; I’m not prone to tears, but this was just something that hit me out of nowhere.”
This year’s Richard Morris Scholarship went to Liam Robertson. The Horsham College student and Horsham Arts Council member said he had applied for the scholarship for the last four years.
“I can see the journey I’ve been on since I first applied and how I’ve grown as a performer. Performing with the arts council from a young age really helped with my confidence and helped me flourish, ” he said.
The scholarship includes a $1000 bursary to help Liam develop his talents.
“I plan to use that to travel to Melbourne and participate in workshops that will help boost my understanding of the performing arts and become more immersed,” he said.
“In 2020, I’m planning to move to Melbourne and the funding will also help me afford accommodation there. I really want to thank the Morris family for everything they do to help boost young performers in the Wimmera.”
Horsham College student and pianist Darcie Landrigan received the judge’s encouragement award. At just, 13, Darcie said she was thrilled with the recognition.
She has been playing the piano for six years and has started composing her own music with the help of her piano teacher.
“The song I have composed is called Internment, and I composed it in a couple of weeks with help,” she said.
“With the money I received, I will going to a music composition workshop in Melbourne. I will be having a go at some modern technology and writing my own music.
“I love music because it give you a chance to get away for a while – it’s just you and the piano playing songs and being in that moment.”