Music graduates celebrate cathedral's 140th birthday

Music

Two outstanding alumni from the University of Adelaide will this month mark the 140th anniversary of St Peter's Cathedral - in song.

Greta Bradman and Leigh Harrold are certainly not your average musicians: Greta is currently completing a combined Masters/PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Adelaide; Leigh Harrold holds University Medals in music and applied science, and is combining PhD study at the Elder Conservatorium of Music with a hectic concert schedule.

The pair will join forces later this month to perform at St Peter's Cathedral on the iconic church's 140th birthday.

"It can be difficult balancing music, life, study and work," Greta said. "But at the end of the day, the desire and passion is there and you somehow make it work."

New mother Greta is well known around Adelaide for her impressive vocal range, and her membership of Adelaide Chamber Singers and Eve Vocal Trio.

"My research explores the associations between general intelligence and psychological stress, mood, social support, and personality, in the context of investigating predictors of behavioural and biological health risk factors for chronic disease," she said. On top of that, Greta has her hands full with two-year-old son Jude.

Leigh Harrold is in demand as a solo performer and accomplished chamber musician. He is on the staff at the Australian National Academy of Music in Melbourne, where, in 2004, he was appointed a fellow - the first person in the institution's history to be chosen as such after only one year of study.

"I do enjoy things outside of music," Leigh said. "I read as many books as I can and take long walks in between performing and touring."

Leigh has a well-rounded music career, and recently embarked upon a lecture-recital tour to the US and Canada.

"The focus was the music of Muczynski, which is my PhD topic," he said. "I gave lectures and performed his solo sonatas."

This month's concert, entitled Songs of the Century, forms the final part of the opening three concerts in the Cathedral Series for 2009.

"The first three performances for the year all feature works by 20th Century French composers, including Fauré, Ravel and Debussy," said the Cathedral's Manager of Concerts, Edward Joyner.

"Greta and Leigh will perform song cycles by Ravel and Debussy, as well as exploring the connections with 20th Century American works by Charles Ives and Samuel Barber. It's a fantastic program, and Greta and Leigh are spectacular performers. It's a great way to celebrate the Cathedral's 140th birthday," he said.

Greta Bradman and Leigh Harrold will perform Songs of the Century at St Peter's Cathedral at 3.00pm on Sunday 28 June. Tickets are $20 adults or $15 concession, and can be bought at the door.