ABC Classic FM reported the other day that the Australian city with the highest per capita attendance at classical music events is none other than that remote territorial outpost which many Australians have never visited, Darwin.  Then what a co-incidence when an article arrived in my in-box from Naomi – about classical music in Darwin.  It makes for delightful reading.

With two remarkably sweet grandkids in Darwin we go up there regularly and frequently.  I go for the family, of course, but have come to love the glorious sunsets, fish and chips on the beach, the relaxed, informal ambiance, the opportunity to escape Sydney’s cold weather (but then it is so hot, I am always happy to return).  I certainly do not go there expecting to hear any form of classical music.  So I was surprised when Michael, my son, greeted me with the news that on Saturday the Darwin Symphony Orchestra would be playing at the Convention Centre, in a program that included Shostakovich – one of my favourite composers.  John is not a Shostakovich fan and had the option of staying with the kids but even he could not resist the allure of Shostakovich in Darwin! 

And what a program! Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances, A piece called ‘Wolf Totem’ by Tan Dun of the film ‘Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon’ fame and after the interval another Borodin piece, ‘In the Steppes of Central Asia’ and to cap it all, Shostakovich’s ninth Symphony.  You could not wish for a more satisfying, coherent yet varied and balanced program.  My mind was racing with the images of galloping horses, marching armies, the ecstasies of victory, the agony of defeat.  Loud, boisterous, full orchestra outbursts, followed by sweet, soft flute melodies.  All this performed by an amateur, unpaid orchestra, conducted by its dynamic, Darwin-resident artistic director, Matthew Wood and performed in the elegant, acoustically pleasing Darwin Convention Centre. 

Was going to a concert in the Darwin Convention Centre different to going to the Sydney Opera House?  Yes, it was.  Getting there and parking was more relaxed.  I wondered whether people would show up in thongs and stubbies, the regular Darwin attire, but saw none.  The audience was as elegant and appreciative as it is here.  There were some quaint touches: one violist plays with my son in the ‘Anula Primary School Dads’ Band’; the piccolo player doubles up as my granddaughter’s piano teacher.  The resident tuba player was sick and replaced by Russell Torrance, my favourite ABC Classic FM presenter.  And the cello section leader was wearing shining, bright red stilettos.  And as if to complement her shoes, the black covered music was framed with matching red background.  They didn’t only sound great.  They looked great too.  A truly enjoyable, albeit unexpected, evening.