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BUETTNER-MOORE, Anastasia
Anastasia Buettner-Moore is a UWA piano performance graduate who has played an active role as a passionate performer, presenter, collaborative pianist and an experienced teacher in both the WA community and abroad.
She has served the WA Music Teachers Association council serving as Vice President and was drawn to the council in order to assist in improving the standard and quality of private music studio teaching in the state.
Anastasia has strong experience in many forms of movement studies, including dance, yoga, pilates, Alexander Technique as well as experience in the Taubman Approach which specialises in musician’s wellness and assists pianists to play with more comfort, speed, accuracy and ease as well as helping piano teachers diagnose teaching problems faster.
In her spare time, Anastasia loves to explore new technology and apps to improve her teaching, learning new repertoire, playing chamber music, cooking up a storm, renovating houses, travelling and tending to her garden, chickens and toddler.
James Ledger is an ARIA award-winning composer with a breadth of work spanning solo, chamber, electronic and orchestral music.
His first orchestral work, Indian Pacific, from 1996 is still regularly performed around Australia and has had twelve performances so far in 2022. He has held residencies with the West Australian, Adelaide and Christchurch (NZ) Symphony Orchestras, the Australian National Academy of Music (Melbourne) and the Australian Festival of Chamber Music (Townsville). He has received commissions from Australia’s leading ensembles including the Melbourne, Sydney and Tasmanian symphony orchestras, the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Australian String Quartet.
Ledger has collaborated with Australian musician Paul Kelly on two song-cycles: Conversations with Ghosts (2012) and Thirteen Ways to Look at Birds (2019). Both of these albums won ARIA awards. He has won APRA Art Music Awards
for Viola Concerto (2019), Golden Years (violin concerto) (2011) and Chronicles (2009).
He is Chair of Composition at the Conservatorium of Music at the University of Western Australia.
https://www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/artist/ledger-james
For more information please visit jamesledger.comRashomon confessions for clarinet quintet by James Ledger
First performance 13 December 2009, Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House WASO Chamber Players (Allan Meyer – clarinet) . Commissioned by Sydney Opera House with funds provided by Regina Ridge Trust.
https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4938391
“Carl Vine AO is one of the most prolific and consistently inspired composers of our time, with an output that includes eight symphonies, thirteen concertos and six string quartets” (Chicago Classical Review, August 2022). His compositions are performed frequently around the world and recordings of his music on more than 70 albums are available on the major streaming platforms. He has an extensive range of chamber music alongside various work for film, television, dance and theatre.
Although primarily a composer of modern art music, he has undertaken such diverse tasks as arranging the Australian National Anthem and writing music for the Olympic Games (Closing Ceremony, Atlanta 1996). From 2000 until 2019 Carl was the Artistic Director of Musica Viva Australia, the world’s largest entrepreneur of chamber music. Within that role he was also Artistic Director of the Huntington Estate Music Festival from 2006, and of the Musica Viva Festival (Sydney) from 2008. Carl has been Senior Lecturer in Composition at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music since 2014.
Fractured 3 vertebrae falling out of a tree during gymnastics. Unable to play the trumpet, so started learning piano.
1967
Student at Guildford Grammar School (Secondary), Perth. Started learning the pipe organ under Choral Director Kathleen Wood. Pianist and Organist for School Church Services, Assemblies and assorted performances.
1970
First Prize in the Australian Society for Music Education Composers’ Competition (under-18 section) for ‘Unwritten Divertimento’: his first complete electronic work.
1971
Completed his first commissioned score, ‘2 Short Circuits’ (electronic tape work), for the West Australian Ballet Company, choreographed by Eleanor Martin. Graduated Dux of Guildford Grammar School with 2 Government University Exhibitions.
1972
Enrolled in Bachelor of Science degree course majoring in Physics at the University of Western Australia. Winner, Open Instrumental Solo division (Piano) of the Perth Music Festival. A.Mus.A. (Associate in Music, Australia) with distinction for Piano from the Australian Music Examinations Board. Harpist (on the piano) with the Queensland Youth Orchestra conducted by John Curro, for James Christiansen’s production of ‘Tosca’ at the Innisfail Festival, North Queensland.
1973
Trainee Sound Recording Engineer at the Tape Transcription Unit, BBC, Shepherds Bush, London (2 months). Created the music soundtrack for experimental films ‘IS’ and ‘Facade’ directed by Barrie Oldfield (WA). Winner of the Australian Broadcasting Commission’s Instrumental and Vocal Competition (Western Australian division – Piano).
1973-5
Pianist (casual orchestral, and occasionally solo) with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra.
1974
Transferred to Bachelor of Music degree course (Composition Major) at the University of Western Australia. A member of the West Australian Debating Team competing at the National Championships in Adelaide.
1975
Participated in the inaugural ‘Young Composers’ Training Scheme’ organised by the Australia Council. Moved to Sydney to commence his professional career.
1975-8
Accompanist and rehearsal pianist for the Sydney Dance Company (then the ‘Dance Company of New South Wales’). Created the soundtrack for experimental film ‘Envir’ directed by Barrie Oldfield. Performed at a vast range of musical, electronic and ‘alternative’ events in and around Sydney. He was also Musical Director of ‘Sounds Nice’ vocal duo on the Sydney ‘club’ circuit with various TV appearances. Until 1980, freelance performer with such groups as the Australia Ensemble, A-Z Music, the Seymour Group, Mused Performance Ensemble, the Ashes of Sydney and others.
1976
Regular performer at the Sydney Opera House ‘Environmental Music Series’. Assisted by the Australia Council to attend the Gulbenkian International Choreographic Summer School in Guildford, England.
1977
First fully professional commission for Dance : ‘Tip‘ (for Sydney Dance Company). The score was called ‘961 Ways to Nirvana‘, for amplified string quartet, orchestra and electronics. (work subsequently withdrawn)
1978
Resident composer with the Sydney Dance Company. Composed the music for the first all-Australian full-length Ballet – ‘Poppy‘. Guest performer at ‘Music Rostrum ’78’ (featuring Luciano Berio). Guest conductor for the Seymour Group.
1979
Conductor, pianist and resident composer at the London Contemporary Dance Theatre. Founded the contemporary music performance ensemble ‘Flederman’ with trombonist Simone de Haan in Sydney. Remained as pianist, composer, conductor and director of the ensemble until 1989.
1980
Participant in the first ‘Australian Composers’ Summer School’ with the ABC Sinfonietta
1980-2
Lecturer in Electronic Music Composition at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. The Flederman ensemble averaged 30 concerts each year on the Australian eastern seaboard.
1983
Received the ‘Adams’ award for outstanding contribution to Music for Dance in Australia. Flederman made its first international tour to the USA. Moved to Toowoomba (South-East Queensland) for R & R.
1984
Musical Director of the Australia/New Zealand Choreographic School (Melbourne) directed by Glen Tetley.
1985
Resident Composer at the New South Wales State Conservatorium. From 1985 to 1987, occasional conducting appearances with the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
1987
Resident Composer with the Australian Chamber Orchestra. Guest conductor with the Sydney Philharmonia Society. Flederman receives the Sydney Myer Performing Arts ‘Group’ Award.
1988
Flederman international tour to Holland, Finland and the UK, including a concert on the opening night of the BBC Proms. Carl’s Symphony No. 2 is performed by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra conducted by Stuart Challender across the continental United States, while the West Australian Ballet Company premieres his ‘Legend‘ choreographed as the dance work ‘The Night of the Full Moon‘ by Jacqui Carroll.
1989
Guest Artist at EVOS Music (Perth), W.A.University and W.A.Academy for the Performing Arts. Awarded the Sounds Australian National Music Critics’ Award for the Best Instrumental or Ensemble Work of 1988 (‘Miniature IV’). Flederman closes down after their Federal funding is withdrawn.
1990
Symphony No. 3 premiered by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra under Stuart Challender at the 1990 Adelaide Festival of the Arts.
1991
The Queensland Ballet Company premieres ‘The Tempest‘ choreographed by Jacqui Carroll.
1992-5
Deputy Chairman of the Australia Council.
1993
ABC Classics Records releases the premiere recording of Carl Vine’s first Three Symphonies performed by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra conducted by the late Stuart Challender.
1994
Carl’s first and second Symphonies choreographed by Glen Tetley for the Canadian National Ballet Company.
2000-
2019
From 2000 until 2019 Carl was the Artistic Director of Musica Viva Australia, the largest entrepreneur of chamber music in the world.
2006-
2019
As part of his duties as Artistic Director of Musica Viva Australia, Carl was also Artistic Director of the Huntington Estate Music Festival, one of Australia’s most prestigious and successful annual chamber music festivals.
Freelance composer living in Sydney.In line with Carl’s lifelong fascination with progamming and automation, he has released a free set of Lua Scripts to enhance the native abilities of Finale music software.
Ted Godderidge is an Australian clarinettist, historical clarinet collector and emerging woodwind technician dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the clarinet.
Ted has assembled Australia’s leading collection of historical clarinets. Spanning more than 200 years, it comprises exceptionally rare and significant instruments, including many unique to Australia.
Ted recently graduated with a Bachelor of Music from the University of Western Australia, where he studied under Allan Meyer. In 2027, Ted will commence Honours in Performance at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.
Alongside his studies, Ted is training as a woodwind technician and intends to continue his training in Sydney under master clarinet technician Edison Castilho in 2028. His goal is to establish Australia as an internationally recognised centre for historical clarinet study through an inclusive, publicly accessible collection supporting performance, education, research and conservation. Through performances, workshops, educational programs and ongoing international mentoring, Ted aims to ensure these remarkable instruments are not simply preserved, but experienced by musicians, students, researchers and audiences for generations to come.
As an active musician, Ted has performed with numerous ensembles around Perth, including the WA Youth Orchestra, UWA Orchestra, WA Wind Symphony, WA Philharmonic Orchestra and A2 Orchestra. In addition, Ted has performed as Principal Clarinet with the National Youth HIP Orchestra (Melbourne) and alongside the West Australian Opera and West Australian Symphony Orchestrain side-by-side projects. Ted is currently on the 2026/27 reserve list with the Australian Youth Orchestra.
Ted is a recipient of the 2026 Ian Potter Emerging Artists Grant.
Eljo Agenbach is a clarinettist, educator and collaborator based between Melbourne, Australia and The Netherlands.
She is currently studying historical clarinet with Nicola Boud, completing her Bachelor in Early Music at the Koninklijk Conservatorium in The Hague.
In The Netherlands, Eljo regularly collaborates with her fellow students in and outside the Conservatorium. Most recently, she performed and recorded Beethoven’s first, third, fifth and sixth symphonies on historical instruments with the Beethoven Academy in Utrecht under the direction of Johannes Leertouwer.
Before she fell in love with the historical clarinet, Eljo completed a Bachelor of Arts in Music Studies on the modern clarinet from the University of Western Australia’s Conservatorium of Music, where she studied with Allan Meyer. Eljo then went on to study at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, finishing her Honours degree with Paul Dean.
In addition to her performing commitments, Eljo is a practising visual artist with a particular interest in interdisciplinary collaboration. Notable such projects include commissions from the choral group Voyces and the South Side Symphony Orchestra, as well as festival appearances in the Brisbane Music Festival and Propel Youth Arts.
Perth Musician and World War Two veteran George Franklin was the longest serving member of the City of Perth band, living to over 104. He started playing the cornet at the age of seven, before joining the City of Perth Band in 1934. Mr Franklin served in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War Two, and after that, he joined a military band until he was retired. He died in 13 July 2026 aged 104.
1931
YOUTH TO THE FORE – Y.A.L. Band Contest
From comments he made subsequent to the contest it is apparent that Mr. G. Mellor, adjudicator of the Y.A.L. Band contest which was held last night, was well satisfied with the performances he had heard. He said that the standard of the playing was much improved on that of last year and he was much impressed with the band presentation. While some of the individual soloists were not quite up to the standard of last year, the younger players were a great improvement on previous years. Also in attendance at the contests were Mr. George Reid, first musical director, and Mr. Val Smith, second musical director. They too- expressed appreciation of the contest, and in course of a few remarks, observed that it brought back some happy rmemories of the day when they held positions with the band. The finals for the champion of the league solo for all finalists will be held on July 23, when the championship of the league will also be decided. The winner will be entitled to hold the cup presented by the officers of the league. The contest last night was conducted by Mr. Ron Rees, musical director of the Y.A.L. RESULTS. The results were: — Trumpeters’ Solo (‘Fanfare’): Norman Williams (35 points), 1. Drummers’ Solo (own choice) : Douglas King (40), 1. ‘B’ Grade Cornet Solo (‘Sweet Spirit Hear My Prayer’): Billy Weston (35), 1. ‘A’ Grade Cornet Solo (Raff’s ‘Cava-tin’) : Norman Law (30). 1. Champion Solo: (”’Neath .Austral Skies’): Charles Thompson (40). Tenor Horn Solo (‘Goodbye, Sweetheart’): Clarie Gray (3G), 1. Baritone Euphonium Solo (‘Melody in T’): Roy Facey (36), 1. Trombone Solo (‘Kathleen Mavourneen’) : Robert Lockwpod (33). 1. Bass Solo (‘Flower That Bloometh’) : Em Negus (33). 1. ? ‘B’ Grade Duet (‘Ever of Thee’): George Franklin and Billy Mangini (33). ‘A’ Grade Duet – ‘Robin Adair’) : Norman Law and Fred Brunsgard (33).
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Saturday 4 July 1931, page 3
1934
In 1934, George Franklin joined the City of Perth Band.
1935
Anzac Commemoration Broadcasts.This evening at 8 o’clock a special Anzac programme will be relayed by €WF from Anzac House, where the Perth’ Symphony Orchestra (under Mr. G. J. Reid) will be assisted by Isobel Reith (soprano), WiU Savage (baritone), and George Franklin (cornetist).
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Wednesday 24 April 1935, page 3
George Franklin ad
1939
6PR – 6TZ – Jack Harrison, Winner (final) Charlie Carter’s Juvenile Amateur Trials conducted by Stations 6AM-6PM. Jack will broadcast from stations 6PR-6TZ Sunday morning November 26 Radiola Rhythm Program. Don’t fail to hear this remarkable broadcast. Jack plays a Harmonica stocked by Nicholsons Ltd. Hear George Franklin, Solo Cornetist with Perth City Band in Special Broadcast from Stations 6PR-6TZ Sunday evening November 26, 9 o’clock. George plays a Boosey and Hawkes Bb cornet. Sole agent Nicholsons Ltd. The CHAMPIONS PREFER the N.V.A. (New Valve Action) CORNET. Illustrated catalogue: Boosey and Hawkes Cornets post free!
The Mirror Saturday Night November 25 1939
1940
When World War II broke out, George served five a half years service from 1940 aged 18 in the Royal Australian Air Force. George was pulled from air crew duties once he discovered he was colourblind. He was then sent to Noonkanbah Station in Western Australia’s north where he re-fuelled and re-armed US heavy bombers, which were fighting the Japanese, but was glad he did not “see any action” on the front line.
1946
After finishing his military service, Mr Franklin went on to join the Army Band, playing the trumpet. He said he has since played the Last Post at funerals for other veterans more times than he could remember.
“So, I wouldn’t mind a pound for every time I’ve played the Last Post somewhere,” he said.
Mr Franklin said it was difficult to say goodbye to so many comrades, as the number of living veterans declines rapidly. “You see it in a different light when you’re in the band … when you’re playing the dead march to bury a guy,” he said. “You’re playing the Last Post when he’s in there [the coffin], you’ve got to forget about it.”
PHOTO Aged 18, Mr Franklin joined the Royal Australian Air Force during World War Two. (ABC News: Bridget McArthur)
It was then that he joined the City of Perth Band, where was only months away from becoming the new Guinness World Record holder for the title of the world’s oldest band conductor.
In 1949 the main dance music influences at the time were Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw. Old time dancing was interspersed with the new swing and jazz movement and the big names performing around town were Harry Bluck, Colin Hicks, Ron Jenkins and Jack Harrison. Jack augmented his swing band according to the requirements of functions, sometimes up to ten players, such as the April 22nd 1949 University of Western Australia Graduation Ball at Winthrop Hall. Players were issued with a cheque on 5th May 1949 and were paid 3 pound 2 and 6 for the gig. Players paid were: Norm Wrightson (saxophone), George Kirkby, Jack Pope (trumpet), George Franklin (trumpet), Charles Thompson (trumpet), Bill Hendrie (guitar), Roy Coates, Ray Harrison (drums), Jill Harrison (piano) and Jack Harrison (band leader, sax, clarinet) was the tenth band member.
GRADUATION BALL – 8.30pm – 2am – April 22 1949 Winthrop Hall, University
In Aid of World Student relief. ADMISSION Double Ticket 24/7 (inc tax.)
Jack Harrison’s Ten Piece Orchestra – bookings at Nicholsons
AROUND PERTH – WITH HARRY BLUCK
Ball Season Starts Rolling in Perth – Heavy Bookings as Biz Booms
The annual outcrop of balls generally makes its presence felt about this time of the year and already some of the earliest have taken place. This season promises to be a busier one than previously and some large-sized bands should be seen on the various stands. Already, youthful Jack Harrison has made a good start by fronting a 10 piece outfit at the University Graduation Ball, and from all accounts the ultimate sound of the band justified the Harrison judgement in selecting good players as his support. It’s in The Family! Jack Harrison’s Trio, winners of Perth’s “Popular Dance Band Contest” for 1948. This talented threesome have remarkable polish, considering their extreme youthfulness, and have certainly made their presence felt in the comparatively short time for which they have been associated with the dance band business. From L to R: Jack Harrison (saxes), Ray Harrison (drums), jill Harrison (piano). Jack and jill are both aged 16 and Ray is 18. Since this photo was taken, Jack Harrison has blossomed out with a 10 piece band, with which he played at the Perth University Graduation Ball. (Photo by Arthur Fielding Ruskin). Music Maker and Dance Band News May 1949
JACK HARRISON’S CHEQUE BOOK:
5 MAY 1949
JACK Cheque to: Norm Wrightson Grad Ball £3/2/6
George Kirkby Grad Ball £3/2/6
Jack Pope Grad Ball £3/2/6
George Franklin Grad Ball £3/2/6
Charles Thompson Grad Ball £3/2/6
Bill Hendrie Grad Ball £3/2/6
Roy Coates Grad Ball £3/2/6
Ray Harrison Grad Ball £3/2/6
Jill Harrison Grad Ball £3/2/6
Bands “JOHN” writes: I am 18 and I would very much like to play a trumpet. Could you tell me of any band I could join and learn to play? The obvious reply to your question is the Y.A.L. band, but I understand there are no instruments to spare in that band just now. There is the North Perth Police Boys’ Club band, the R.S.L. junior band, the Perth City band, and the Nedlands military band, just to mention a few of them. For the North Perth Band and the Perth City Band, you could make inquiries by visiting the band room on the corner of Fitzgerald-st., and Stuart-st., during practices on Thursday evenings or Sunday morning. For the Nedlands military band, you should inquire from Mr. F. Kendall, care of the Nedlands Road Board. Mr. Charles Court, 125 St. George’s-ter., Perth, will give details of the R.S.L. band. Inquiries for the Y.A.L. band should be made to the bandmaster, Mr. George Franklin, at Y.A.L. headquarters, Murray-st. — MARY FERBER.
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Thursday 12 May 1949, page 16
George travelled to Eastern States and met a soprano singer…
1950 DIARY OF JACK HARRISON – SYDNEY
Thu 26th Jan 1950 (arrive Sydney)
Got up at 6.15am because we wanted to see the boat coming in. It was in the heads. It was quite a good sight but it was quite foggy and you could not see very far away. The best part was going under the bridge. Got into Sydney at 7.45am and got a taxi to the YMCA. Wandered around town a bit with Mr Whitelock, Mr Anthill and the Chappells. Had lunch at the YMCA and messed around in the afternoon. Had early tea and went out to Kurt Jacob’s place but he was not home. Waited for about an hour then gave up and went to the Trocadero where there was a swing concert. It was very good. The band was Frank Coughlan’s. Went up and spoke to Jim Riley (ex Perth boy) and told him the WA news. At half time I saw George Franklin and sat with him the rest of the concert. Got to bed at 11pm.
Wed 1st Feb 1950
After I did some mouthorgan practice, had a spell and did some clari. Went and booked TAA to get home (19 pounds) and drew money out of the bank. Went to 2UE and met Mr Dawe who told us to come and see the Palmolive show [variety and quiz shows for the Colgate-Palmolive Radio Unit.] in rehearsal on Friday. After lunch went for a walk and met George Franklin. At 3pm we went to the Celebrity to find that the auditions were yesterday. Went around a few picture shows. Caught the train at 5pm to Bankstown and met Colin and then had tea. Colin showed us pictures and on the way home we called into Colin’s shop at the Course. Got to bed 11pm.
1953
PERTH MUSICIANS PLAN BIG WELCOME FOR RAY HARTLEY
ON HIT PARADE
Local-boy-made-good Ray Hartley will step off the Strathnaver onto the proverbial red carpet rolled out by WA musicians when he arrives in Fremantle Tuesday week. Busy drawing up plans and specifications for a monster concert featuring local artists at the Capitol is band leader Sammy Sharp. Many other suggestions about ways and means to honor the writer pianist must be shelved until Ray has been consulted, but certain it is that Ray’s rapid rise in the entertainment world will be appropriately recognised. Present vague information about his ‘working holiday’ stay in Perth will not allow the mapping of any schedule. In fact, it’s thought that the concert at the Capitol will have to wait til a week or so after his arrival because of theatre bookings. How polished pianist Ray broke through the formidable barrier to success with his catchy ‘Let’s Do It Again’ soon after his arrival in London is well known. For some weeks the local radio hammered Donald Peers’ rendition of the number, and it was the same in England and America, where the tune topped the hit parade. Ray’s is truly a ‘rags-to-riches’ story— from a laundry hand to a celebrity in a few years, which seem incredibly short. He put his RAAF discharge in his pocket and went to work in a Perth laundry. Seven years ago he was 6 PM’s station pianist and supplemented his income with odd engagements at the ABC and a dancing school. He made steady local progress and moved across to Sydney in early 1948. There his services were in demand on radio and stage, and in his spare time he collected his A.Mus.A. at Sydney Conservatorium. This was the signal for his departure for London, where he quickly got his feet on the ladder of success. It’s almost 4 years now since Ray landed in London full of hopes and ambition, and since then he’s had at least 16 tunes published, including 2 best sellers. BBC and Radio Luxembourg have sought out his services, and he has made the screen with M-G-M and Pathe. Definite it is that Ray will be heard in 4 broadcasts from the ABC while in his home town. A week after his arrival he will appear in ‘What Next?’ ?
This well – known Perth band is heard weekly in Hit Parade all over Australia and by the troops in Korea. It is the noted combination of Harry Bluck and the conductor-arranger himself is shown at the far left, front row, Next to him in front, from left: Sylvia Caporn, Johnny McCaughan, Mario Burlini, George Franklin, Cliff Adam. Back row: Ralph Filmer, George Caro. Jack Pateman, Ted Mc-Mahon. Arch Waddell.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 18 July 1953, page 12
1955 – Jazz Jamboree
No. 9 – “Hot and Cool” – KEITH WHITTLE’S DIXIELANDERS WITH JOHNNY REGAN’S MODERNIQUES.
Personnel: George Franklin (Trumpet)
1955 Jazz Jamboree Program
1965
George was the Corporal 1st cornet leader of a very good group of four outstanding cornet soloists in the Western Command Band when Bob Keatch was posted to Perth.
1974 Franklin City of Perth brass band
1974 – Conductor Perth City Band
Mr Franklin was the conductor of the City of Perth brass band from 1974
In 1978, City of Perth Band were state A Grade champions.
PHOTO:
Mr Franklin was the conductor of the City of Perth brass band from 1974. (ABC News: Lauren Smith)
2013 – aged 103
Band Leader George Franklin
Fremantle’s famous old barber shop, Norm Wrightson’s Hairway, is celebrating its 80th year and marking the occasion with a variety packed concert called ‘Salute to Fremantle’. The Magic Dream Big Band were one of the main acts performing in the Fremantle Town Hall.
Legendary Perth big band conductor George Franklin passes away
RIP George Franklin – 104 year old legendary Perth Big Band conductor decided it was finally time to hang up his baton. A great trumpeter in his day. Retired Perth cornet player and brass repairer, Max Douglas told me once “I never heard him miss”.
Greetings OLD CONTEMPTIBLES.
Some sad news. George Franklin passed away last week. He was surrounded by family and at peace. A fall recently saw him in hospital with broken bones and some complications. A sad end after a brilliant life very well lived. George was well regarded, much admired and deeply loved far and wide. George was the Corporal 1st cornet leader of a very good group of four outstanding cornet soloists in the Western Command Band when I was posted here in 1965. Lots of excellent memories over the years including my time as his big band Drummer in more recent times.
Born in Perth, Australia, Nicola is one of the most sought after historical clarinet players of her generation. She obtained her Bachelor of Music with first class honours from the University of Western Australia studying with Allan Meyer. During her studies she began to play with the Australian Chamber Orchestra both on modern and historical clarinet. She then completed her Masters in historical performance at the Royal Conservatory in the Hague with Eric Hoeprich.
Based in Gent, Belgium, she tours and records extensively, and is principal clarinet with Ensemble Pygmalion (R Pichon) l’Orchestre des Champs Élysées (Ph.Herreweghe), Constellation Orchestra (J.E.Gardiner), Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique / English Baroque Soloists, and she has recently been appointed as principal clarinet with the Orchestra of the 18th Century.
Nicola is regularly invited as guest principal with many other orchestras and ensembles including Freiburger Barockorchester, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Concerto Copenhagen and Il Pomo d’Oro.
As a chamber musician, Nicola collaborates with Kristian Bezuidenhout, Anthony Romaniuk, Consone, Cambini and Edding Quartets, and Ensemble Marsyas amongst others.
She has performed in recital at many prestigious festivals including Edinburgh International Festival, Bruges Musica Antiqua Festival, Boston Early Music Festival, Accademia delle Crete Senesi, and at venues such as BOZAR Brussels, Amsterdam Concertgebouw Kleine Zaal, and Wigmore Hall.
In 2025 she did a national recital tour for Musica Viva Australia.
Nicola has recorded the Mozart clarinet quintet with the Edding Quartet and the Schubert Octet with Northernlight both to critical acclaim. More recently she released an album of the Brahms Clarinet Sonatas with pianist Anthony Romaniuk. Forthcoming releases include the Mozart Clarinet concerto with Gli Angeli Geneva.
As soloist she has performed concerti in Europe and Asia with the l’Orchestre des Champs Eysées, Academy of Ancient Music, Concerto Copenhagen, and Il Gardellino in venues such as the Theatre Des Champs Elysées in Paris, The Megaron in Athens, Auditorio Nacional Madrid, Palau de la Music Barcelona, and at the Barbican Centre in London. In May 2026, Nicola will toured the Mozart Clarinet concerto in Spain and Germany under the direction of Sir John Eliot Gardiner.
A dedicated educator, Nicola was professor of historical clarinet at the Paris Conservatoire (CNSMDP) from 2021-2024 and is currently professor of historical clarinet at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague.
When she was 11 years old, Nicola wrote to Jack Harrison:
Vale – George Franklin by Bob Keatch
