Recital to honour the life and work of Peter Rorke OAM

Former staff and students and members of Toowoomba's musical community will join together to honour the life and work of Peter Rorke OAM, with a special West-Star Motors Twilight Tribute Recital on Wednesday 23 July 2008.

Designed to coincide with the 10th Anniversary of the passing of the University's inaugural Head of Music, the concert is being organised by Laurie Lepherd, who stepped into the role of Head of Music at USQ upon Peter's retirement in 1993.

Now retired, Laurie has generously donated his time to arrange a wonderful line-up of Peter's past students, colleagues and community members who will perform a selection of his compositions, arrangements and favourite pieces.

'Peter arrived at USQ in 1977 after a varied and celebrated career in his native South Africa and in Britain and with the ABC in Melbourne.

'He was ideally suited to developing a musical program here because he composed, conducted, performed and taught,' said Laurie.

The tribute concert will reflect Peter's love of teaching, composition arranging and his contribution to the students and youth in the community.

Highlights will include excerpts of My Fair Lady, arranged by Peter and performed by The Glennie School and Toowoomba Grammar and conducted by USQ graduate Jason Wisely.

'Peter was a significant composer and had works performed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. His contribution as a nationally recognised composer will be shown throughout his works – the Divertimento for Strings, and Romance and Rondo for Solo Violin and Strings,' Laurie said.

'USQ graduate, Kym Troy, who worked as a pianist in the opera studio for many years, will also join bass baritone Arthur Johnson to perform excerpts from Die Schöne Müllerin by Schubert.'

Other performers will include the Toowoomba Municipal Band conducted by Lorraine Fuller, Nick Williams, Christine Kleidon, Shannon Gralow and the USQ Strings conducted by Martin Crook and lead by Mary Nemet.

WHAT: West-Star Motors Twilight Tribute Recital – Peter Rorke OAM
WHEN: Wednesday 23 July 2008, 6.00pm and 8.00pm
WHERE: USQ Arts Theatre
COST: $16.50 Adult, $13.50 Concession, $6.00 Child
BOOKINGS: USQ Box Office - 07 4631 1111 or boxoffice@usq.edu.au

Please visit the USQ Artworx website for more information: www.usq.edu.au/artsworx.

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart, USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559