GREETINGS!!!
The
last year has gone so quickly, but we are happily back
in touring mode. We
have been to New Zealand
and off to South Africa
next week. In July it will be Japan
and September/October we return to Europe, so
our
suitcases are hardly ever empty. Although
we thought we would be semi-retiring,
David decided he wanted to play more, and as he spreads so much
happiness, and
loves performing, we will keep touring for the next few years at least.
David
did a lot of charity performances over the past year
for mental health, refugees, support of artists and other
organizations, but
the main focus of our involvement became The Buttery, near Byron
Bay, New South Wale. This is a therapeutic community for those
willing to deal with their drug and alcohol problems and the work The
Buttery
does is quite outstanding. It is an 8
month course and those who see the course to the end have an 83 percent
recovery rate. This is a truly remarkable result. We became Patrons in
March
and this year will see our efforts go to the Building Appeal so the
community
can be doubled in size. Needless to say,
the demand for places is huge.
Our
overseas tour last year included Spain
for the first time and one of the delights was David performing the
"Rach
3" in Vienna and Zurich
to sell-out audiences. I have never
heard him play better and this year one of the highlights for David
will be
giving a recital of his favourite works on his 60th birthday
on 19th
May in Johannesburg..
Our
holiday this year in September will be near Gerona
in northern Spain,
instead of Italy,
and we will have time with family and friends to explore new territory.
On 26th November 2006
David received another honour by being inducted into
The Australian Walk of Fame at the Gold Coast in Queensland. His star will soon be on the walkway with his
handprints and he was very thrilled to be acknowledged in this way.
We
are delighted to announce that a new CD called Helfgott
Magic will be available from 1st May. Contact
Caroline Sawarde sawarde@powerup.com.au
for details of
this exciting new disc. Liszt,
Rachmaninov and Chopin are featured.
