General News
26 November, 2023
A treasure trove of talent
The Richard Morris Memorial concert again left a large audience delighted and stunned by the talent of Horsham's young people. Former Horsham resident and dancer Joel Kimberley, now of Melbourne, took out the $3000 scholarship awarded on the night...
The Richard Morris Memorial concert again left a large audience delighted and stunned by the talent of Horsham's young people.
Former Horsham resident and dancer Joel Kimberley, now of Melbourne, took out the $3000 scholarship awarded on the night, with soloist Sienna Walsgott winning a $1000 encouragement award and another $1000 donated by professional actor and performer Alex Rathgeber, formerly of Horsham.
The star-studded night also included an award for 2022 winner Emily Hart and an encouragement award for Lily Nuske. There was no presentation or concert last year because of Covid.
Talented pianist Sean Hallam, now of Melbourne, was made a Richard Morris Memorial life member. He formerly played without music but later learned to read music after lessons from applauded Horsham music teacher Marie Schirmer.
Keen Horsham Arts Council member Stacey Brennan is also a life member.
The idea for a concert developed after Mr Hallam, who had been greatly encouraged to pursue a career in music by Mr Morris, who died in an accident in 2004, decided that a memorial was necessary for the man who had been a great mentor for young people interested in the arts.
The first Richard Morris concert was in Wesley Performing Arts Centre and carried scholarship money of $500. They are now held in Horsham Town Hall theatre.
Mr Morris's widow Jan and a committee of six now organise the event. She said the annual scholarship was not necessarily for the best performer but for the person most passionate in continuing their pursuit of their field of the arts.
A fire alarm during the concert forced artists and the audience to vacate the building. Performers continued their rendition from Mamma Mia a cappella in the carpark to a surprised audience. The alarm was a false call.