Page 23 - Luce 2024

N ews a nd Events

A night to remember: the

JCH Ball

In the heart of Fitzroy, the St. Andrew’s Conservatory
underwent a stunning transformation, becoming a celestial
wonderland for the annual JCH Ball. With 130 eager guests
anticipating an unforgettable night, the stage was set for an
extraordinary experience.

The decision to choose St. Andrew’s Conservatory as the
venue for the 2023 Ball was immediate upon our initial visit.
The theme, ‘Across the Cosmos’ inspired a stellar evening,
and the venue’s unique charm, complete with a glass roof
and starry-like lanterns, provided the perfect canvas for our
vision.

Soprano Lorina Gore performs with the Seraphim Trio Coordinating the event alongside fourth-year resident, Luke
Franz, was an enjoyable yet challenging experience. Our
A heart-warming concert journey began in November 2022, involving meticulous
planning, from budgeting to problem-solving for table
organisation and selecting decorations. Fortunately, Luke and
In lieu of a Springtime Concert, in 2023 we were treated to I were supported by an incredibly passionate and dedicated
a mid-year event titled ‘Snapshots of Love and Life.’ It was Ball team. Comprising first-year residents Josephine Ung,
lovely to welcome back once again to JCH the Seraphim Bri Burgess, and Evie Archer, this dynamic team played
Trio, including our Kenneth Moore Memorial Music Scholar an instrumental role in bringing every aspect of the event
Prof. Anna Goldsworthy, and also to welcome soprano together. Fortunately, now experienced Ball connoisseur,
Lorina Gore. Evie Archer – recently elected JCH Vice President for 2024 –
will have the honour of organising the next annual Ball.
The concert’s program wove an interesting story, presenting
a traditional narrative of a woman’s life and further enriching The dance floor, pulsating with energy, became a focal
it with additional seasons of love, exploring beyond just point for uninhibited revelry, while the photo booth added
romance and final loss. an extra layer of enjoyment as attendees captured candid
moments and unleashed their creativity with funky props.
The concert opened and closed with a significant song
cycle, beginning with Robert Schumann’s ‘Frauenliebe und Reflecting on the success of the 2023 JCH Ball, I am filled
Leben’ (A Woman’s Love and Life) Opus 42. This work with pride – not only for the seamless execution of our vision
dates from 1840, the year of Robert Schumann’s marriage but also for the sense of joy and camaraderie that permeated
to Clara, and explores the touchstones of love, marriage, the entire evening. The memories forged on the night will
birth, and death, utilising settings of the poems by Adelbert undoubtedly linger, serving as a testament to the collective
von Chamisso. effort, dedication, and enthusiasm of everyone involved.
From the pulsating beats on the dance floor to the laughter
The song cycles were connected in the program by Clara resonating from the photo booth, each element contributed
Schumann’s popular ‘Piano Trio in G minor’ Opus 17, to an atmosphere of pure celebration.
and the concert concluded with the new work by Anne
Cawrse, ‘Snapshots of Love and Life’, with libretto by Anna Brigitte Shill
Goldsworthy. These works beautifully added a much richer
context to Robert Schumann’s work, since they provided
the composition of Clara Schumann herself and then the
fuller contemporary picture of a woman’s life, including the
contradictions, challenges, and compromises.

The performance was warmly received by all and was
followed by a generous afternoon tea for the diverse
audience of College alumni and members of the
Parkville community. Many also enjoyed the privilege
of conversations with the musicians afterwards. I would
certainly encourage alumni to attend future occasions of this
annual tradition, celebrating music and bringing the College
community together.

Joshua McLeod
Resident tutor
Happy revellers at the Ball

J anet Clarke Hall 23