Malcolm Williamson Down Under Composer and pianist MALCOLM WILLIAMSON was appointed Master of the Queen's Music in October 1975 in succession to the late Sir Arthur Bliss. Although now resident in Britain, he is the first Australian ever to hold this position. His many compositions include operas, piano concertos, symphonies, ballets, chamber music and ' 'do-it-yourself' music dramas for children.
Shortly after his appointment he set off on a tour of his homeland to give concerts and make recordings. This documentary film follows his travels through Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra during which he visits places of his youth, talking to friends and critics and expressing himself openly about his passions, hates and beliefs. with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Bernard Heinze in part of Williamson's Double Piano Concerto with William Kimber and with excerpts from his opera The Violins of Saint-Jacques conducted by Vanco Cavdarski
Film editor PETER BARBER
Produced and narrated by KENNETH CORDEN
(Ndt Sat 9.30 pm: The Violins of Saint-Jacques in full)