The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra excitedly presents the World Premiere of Our Don, a new multimedia musical portrait for orchestra and narrator celebrating Sir Donald Bradman’s life as a national hero and Australian icon.
Composed by South Australian Natalie Williams the work comprises five movements which chronicle the public and private aspects of Sir Donald’s life. It is interwoven with stunning archival video, photographs and words by Bradman biographer, Peter Allen. The World Premiere will feature a guest appearance by actor Gary Sweet.
The work was specially commissioned by the State Government of South Australia by former Premier Mike Rann in 2011.
ASO Managing Director Vincent Ciccarello said, “The importance of commissioning of new work can never be underestimated. It keeps our music, our art, alive. This World Premiere by Natalie Williams promises to be a special event as we celebrate the life and the spirit of Donald Bradman through words, pictures and music.”
Ms Williams said, “Our Don is a first of its kind, honouring the life of an Australian iconic figure and bringing South Australian history into the contemporary artistic space.”
“The only parameter for my new work was that it should celebrate Sir Don’s life in a way that pays homage to his achievements and successes and highlights his unique role in Australian cultural history. With this approach in mind I began many months of research and study into Don Bradman’s life and history, his personal and professional journey, and his role as an unassuming Australian ‘hero’.”
Ms Williams spent time immersed in a collection of 52 scrapbooks of cricketing memorabilia created by Sir Don which are now housed in the Mortlock Wing at the State Library of South Australia.
“Such a rich collection provides an amazing source of inspiration for a new piece and I spent a number of weeks shaping the piece into a narrative structure, based on key moments in his professional and personal life.
“My research also turned up some unexpected gems, including a short piece composed by Sir Don in 1930 titled Every Day is a Rainbow Day for Me. Bradman loved music and was also a talented pianist and was often found at the piano playing for his teammates during the long tour journeys to England by boat,” Ms Williams said.
Conducted by South Australian Luke Dollman, the first half of the concert will include a performance of Golijov’s Songs by Greta Bradman, acclaimed soprano and grand-daughter of the cricketing legend, and opens with Graeme Koehne’s Shaker Dances.
Commissioned by the Government of South Australia. This project is supported by a grant from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
CONCERT INFORMATION
OUR DON
Thursday 14 August, 7pm
Adelaide Town Hall
Tickets $55. Bookings through BASS www.bass.net.au or 131 246
Gary Sweet Narrator
Luke Dollman Conductor
Greta Bradman Soprano
Graeme Koehne Square order shuffle from the Shaker Dances
Osvaldo Golijov Three Songs for Soprano and Orchestra
Natalie Williams Our Don – A Symphonic Tribute to Sir Donald Bradman (World Premiere)
Concert duration approximately 80 minutes (incl. 20 min interval)
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