Li Cuixin is the person that Mao's last dancer the movie is centred on. I had the privilege to meet him last evening and we had a opportunity to talk. Indeed a charming man, who is clearly driven and he is one of the people who meet that has bright eyes, in the sense you just know he has much going on behind that mask.
He is the new artistic director for Queensland Ballet and it is clear from his words that he intends to make the company a standout globally. That's quite an undertaking and it is clear that despite his charm and wit, this is a formidable individual.
In the Dialogues session, Li puts his dancers through their paces. He encourages, cajoles and coaches them - sometimes all at the same time. His goal is perfection and he wants his troupe to aim for nothing less. In one session, he is trying to coach a dancer to pirouette but don't let her weight shift with the spin but stay centred so she can avoid spinning outwards. This is seemingly impossible and she can't get it for the first, second and third tries. It starts to feel awkward and then on the fourth attempt she nails it.......Whoa so interesting to see mastery in formation.
For so many reasons the appointment of Li is a master stroke. He is ambitious and candid and you can only envisage that his drive will as he states 'take Queensland Ballet to the next level'.
Pardon the pun, but this wont be his last dance. I foresee that he will use this platform for bigger and better things.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Best Concert I've ever attended
Barry Gibb performed last evening, but he was not alone as he brought his departed brothers on stage in photo frames and video clips. A Brisbane boy from Redcliffe, his family was in the audience as well as his oldest son and the daughter of Maurice Gibb.
The Mythology Tour was Barry's return to touring since the death of his last surviving younger brother and as he had unveiled a statue of the Bee Gees a few days earlier; it was clear that this was a special concert. A special moment was having Barry narrate his childhood, while old black and white slides were projected; they were pictures from his childhood and the audience familiar with the scenes murmured and buzzed in agreement.
My best ever? Well to start with we had incredible seats; directly in front and I mean inline with his microphone and only eight rows from the stage. Barry despite his age, oozes class and sex appeal.
And there were a number of ladies in the audience, who called out "Barry" as they were his long lost loves; while I'm sure most were wishful thinking, it is not unreasonable that actually there were some old flames in the crowd.
The Bee Gee's are a group that has survived through the 60's, 70's and 80's. There music, like fine wine has aged well and has a fresh but familiar comfortable feel. Did I mention that he can sing, I mean really properly sing and his concerts sound like the CD's and records that I've collected over the years. He is the ultimate professional and it is reflected in the quality of the sound that is lovingly shared with the audience.
The concert playlist was a collection of so many eras of music, going back to his teenage years. It must be so problematic for Barry to know which songs to reject, as he has penned so many great tunes over his career. There were a few songs that tugged the heart strings and brought the audience, including myself back through a time warp. It was indeed a journey through time and my own life, as the Bee Gees and the Beatles have been part of that consciousness as far back as I recall.
What a week of music, I'm feeling very blessed and have shared this experience with my darling wife! As the song goes:
I know your eyes in the morning sun
I feel you touch me in the pouring rain
And the moment that you wander far from me
I wanna feel you in my arms again
Yes, this is the best concert that I've ever been to. I've seen quite a number and this one is a standout.
Concert Set List -
The Mythology Tour was Barry's return to touring since the death of his last surviving younger brother and as he had unveiled a statue of the Bee Gees a few days earlier; it was clear that this was a special concert. A special moment was having Barry narrate his childhood, while old black and white slides were projected; they were pictures from his childhood and the audience familiar with the scenes murmured and buzzed in agreement.
My best ever? Well to start with we had incredible seats; directly in front and I mean inline with his microphone and only eight rows from the stage. Barry despite his age, oozes class and sex appeal.
And there were a number of ladies in the audience, who called out "Barry" as they were his long lost loves; while I'm sure most were wishful thinking, it is not unreasonable that actually there were some old flames in the crowd.
The Bee Gee's are a group that has survived through the 60's, 70's and 80's. There music, like fine wine has aged well and has a fresh but familiar comfortable feel. Did I mention that he can sing, I mean really properly sing and his concerts sound like the CD's and records that I've collected over the years. He is the ultimate professional and it is reflected in the quality of the sound that is lovingly shared with the audience.
The concert playlist was a collection of so many eras of music, going back to his teenage years. It must be so problematic for Barry to know which songs to reject, as he has penned so many great tunes over his career. There were a few songs that tugged the heart strings and brought the audience, including myself back through a time warp. It was indeed a journey through time and my own life, as the Bee Gees and the Beatles have been part of that consciousness as far back as I recall.
What a week of music, I'm feeling very blessed and have shared this experience with my darling wife! As the song goes:
I know your eyes in the morning sun
I feel you touch me in the pouring rain
And the moment that you wander far from me
I wanna feel you in my arms again
Yes, this is the best concert that I've ever been to. I've seen quite a number and this one is a standout.
Concert Set List -
-
(Bee Gees song)
-
(Bee Gees song)
-
(Bee Gees song)
-
(Bee Gees song)
-
(Bee Gees song)
-
(Bee Gees song) (Duet performed with Samantha Gibb)
-
(Little Willie John cover + Bee Gees song)
-
(Bee Gees song)
-
(Bee Gees song) (vocals performed by Stephen Gibb)
-
(The Beatles cover)
-
(Bee Gees song) (with Stephen Gibb)
-
(Bee Gees song)
-
(Bee Gees song)
-
(Bee Gees song)
-
(Bee Gees song)
-
(Bee Gees song) (Duet performed with Samantha Gibb)
-
(Bee Gees song) (with Stephen Gibb)
-
(Bee Gees song)
-
(Duet performed with Beth Cohen)
-
(Duet performed with Beth … more)
-
(Bee Gees song)
-
(Bee Gees song) (vocals performed by Samantha Gibb)
-
(Bee Gees song)
-
(Bee Gees song)
-
(written by Bee Gees for Celine Dion)
- Encore:
-
(Bee Gees song)
Friday, February 8, 2013
My old record collection (Beatles to the Bee Gees)
When I was young I had this great record collection, remember in Darwin there was no TV and as a result social events gravitated towards music. I do recall that listening to the Radio was a common pastime and everyone had there favourites.
My record collection from the 60's included the The Beatles, Bee Gees and other now classic acts. These were what was called LP (Long Play) and there was a 'learnt' art to check the needle and ensure that this was in working order before trying to place this as smoothly as possible onto the moving turntable.
It is now poignant that this week, we go to see Ringo Starr (one of two surviving Beatles members) and later this week Barry Gibb (the only brother still alive).
Ringo is famous for being Thomas the Tank Engine as well as being the drummer for the most famous band in the world. He had a successful solo career, but also was the lead singer for a number of Beatles songs:
Please Please Me - Boys
With the Beatles - I Wanna Be Your Man
Beatles for Sale - Honey Don't
Help - Act Naturally
Rubber Soul - What Goes On
Revolver - Yellow Submarine
Sgt. Pepper's - With a Little Help from My Friends
The Beatles (white album) - Don't Pass Me By, Good Night
Abbey Road - Octopus's garden
Barry Gibb, where do you start? He was the lead singer for one of my favorite all time groups, a talented song writer who has an incredible track record of collaboration with other stars.
Undoubtedly Barry is the more talented Ringo, there is really no argument there. In terms of pure longevity the Bee Gees as a group spanned from 1960's through the 80's and interestingly their careers came after the Beatles.
One of the interesting facts is that they decided to move from Brisbane, Australia back to the UK and then struggled to get any attention. At that stage the Beatles had disbanded and there was a trend away from bands; despite this they have had an incredible career.
Some words on the Beatles to Bee Gees week later.....
My record collection from the 60's included the The Beatles, Bee Gees and other now classic acts. These were what was called LP (Long Play) and there was a 'learnt' art to check the needle and ensure that this was in working order before trying to place this as smoothly as possible onto the moving turntable.
It is now poignant that this week, we go to see Ringo Starr (one of two surviving Beatles members) and later this week Barry Gibb (the only brother still alive).
Ringo is famous for being Thomas the Tank Engine as well as being the drummer for the most famous band in the world. He had a successful solo career, but also was the lead singer for a number of Beatles songs:
Please Please Me - Boys
With the Beatles - I Wanna Be Your Man
Beatles for Sale - Honey Don't
Help - Act Naturally
Rubber Soul - What Goes On
Revolver - Yellow Submarine
Sgt. Pepper's - With a Little Help from My Friends
The Beatles (white album) - Don't Pass Me By, Good Night
Abbey Road - Octopus's garden
Barry Gibb, where do you start? He was the lead singer for one of my favorite all time groups, a talented song writer who has an incredible track record of collaboration with other stars.
Undoubtedly Barry is the more talented Ringo, there is really no argument there. In terms of pure longevity the Bee Gees as a group spanned from 1960's through the 80's and interestingly their careers came after the Beatles.
One of the interesting facts is that they decided to move from Brisbane, Australia back to the UK and then struggled to get any attention. At that stage the Beatles had disbanded and there was a trend away from bands; despite this they have had an incredible career.
Some words on the Beatles to Bee Gees week later.....
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Stranded @ Wilson Island
We struck it lucky when our long weekend break at Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef became a free upgrade to Wilson Island.
Where? .......... you probably say. And that was also my reaction.
Wilson Island is the exclusive smaller island that is that is connected by a small boat from Heron Island. It seems that they had overbooked as had a function at Heron, therefore offered to move us to Wilson for the evening.
Heron Island is a beautiful island paradise; just an hour and a bit from Gladstone by a fast ferry. It is on the reef and you can snorkel just off the island. There is bird life, turtles and all the marine species that you expect. The food is all included and you have the conflict of eating and then you can't go into the water.
When we transfer to Wilson Island you leave behind all your wallets, iPhones and iPads. They supply a 'wet bag' and ask you to repack a smaller bag - a shirt or two, swimming costumes, wetsuit, sun screen and then you are ready to go.
On boarding our boat we soon understand why the 'wet bag' as there is quite the chop from the waves and the 'splash' effect is evident. It is a 'wet' landing and now I realise that the water shoes we bought, will come into great use. Also the notion of 'exclusive', becomes apparent as there are 4 guests in total.
As we land onto Wilson there is a beautiful white coral beach, with just amazing formations of coral. We are greeted by our chef (Lindsay) and Liaison Manager (Geri). Yes there are 2 staff and 4 guests.
Our beachside hut is named 'rapture'; interesting name.....my first thought is Jurassic Park? Actually rapture means being 'caught up', which is quite the misnomer as at Wilson Island you just drift away.
Each of these beachside huts is facing a private beach and have a great hammock. They are luxurious without being luxury, you soon have a smile on your face that really doesn't go away. There are no phones, TV or power points and the bathroom is centralised.
Lindsay works his magic at a common (longhouse); the first question that I will always remember asking him is 'what time is lunch?'. To which he answers: whenever you like. Lindsay recommends a swim and perhaps lunch at 2pm. They explain the safety aspects of swimming in the front (unpatrolled) beach and that there will be cocktails at sunset at 6:30pm.
Exciting, I trudge onto the white beach -- carefully avoiding the large sharp coral. It is a crystal clear day and the water is a surreal aqua blue. There is no-one else on the beach and it is somewhat erie, as I correct my goggles and have my first look underwater. It is amazing the water is only 1 metre deep and the reef is 2 metres offshore and there are thousands of fish of every colour that you can imagine.
Hint: They don't care that I'm there....it is just intimidating being in such a beautiful world and all alone. Looking underwater to see the teaming life and then above to see a peaceful desolate dry world.
The marine aspects are the highlight of Wilson Island; but a short word about the food. Lindsay has been professionally trained and he takes high quality ingredients and does amazing food. It would not look out of place a fine dining establishments, except you are wearing shorts and flipflops with premium wines.
What is incredible is that there is no technology and you are removed from cell phone and wireless data. Funny I didn't miss this at all and time just passed so slowly.
One day at Wilson feels like 3 days -- it's that good !
Where? .......... you probably say. And that was also my reaction.
Wilson Island is the exclusive smaller island that is that is connected by a small boat from Heron Island. It seems that they had overbooked as had a function at Heron, therefore offered to move us to Wilson for the evening.
Heron Island is a beautiful island paradise; just an hour and a bit from Gladstone by a fast ferry. It is on the reef and you can snorkel just off the island. There is bird life, turtles and all the marine species that you expect. The food is all included and you have the conflict of eating and then you can't go into the water.
When we transfer to Wilson Island you leave behind all your wallets, iPhones and iPads. They supply a 'wet bag' and ask you to repack a smaller bag - a shirt or two, swimming costumes, wetsuit, sun screen and then you are ready to go.
On boarding our boat we soon understand why the 'wet bag' as there is quite the chop from the waves and the 'splash' effect is evident. It is a 'wet' landing and now I realise that the water shoes we bought, will come into great use. Also the notion of 'exclusive', becomes apparent as there are 4 guests in total.
As we land onto Wilson there is a beautiful white coral beach, with just amazing formations of coral. We are greeted by our chef (Lindsay) and Liaison Manager (Geri). Yes there are 2 staff and 4 guests.
Our beachside hut is named 'rapture'; interesting name.....my first thought is Jurassic Park? Actually rapture means being 'caught up', which is quite the misnomer as at Wilson Island you just drift away.
Each of these beachside huts is facing a private beach and have a great hammock. They are luxurious without being luxury, you soon have a smile on your face that really doesn't go away. There are no phones, TV or power points and the bathroom is centralised.
Lindsay works his magic at a common (longhouse); the first question that I will always remember asking him is 'what time is lunch?'. To which he answers: whenever you like. Lindsay recommends a swim and perhaps lunch at 2pm. They explain the safety aspects of swimming in the front (unpatrolled) beach and that there will be cocktails at sunset at 6:30pm.
Exciting, I trudge onto the white beach -- carefully avoiding the large sharp coral. It is a crystal clear day and the water is a surreal aqua blue. There is no-one else on the beach and it is somewhat erie, as I correct my goggles and have my first look underwater. It is amazing the water is only 1 metre deep and the reef is 2 metres offshore and there are thousands of fish of every colour that you can imagine.
Hint: They don't care that I'm there....it is just intimidating being in such a beautiful world and all alone. Looking underwater to see the teaming life and then above to see a peaceful desolate dry world.
The marine aspects are the highlight of Wilson Island; but a short word about the food. Lindsay has been professionally trained and he takes high quality ingredients and does amazing food. It would not look out of place a fine dining establishments, except you are wearing shorts and flipflops with premium wines.
What is incredible is that there is no technology and you are removed from cell phone and wireless data. Funny I didn't miss this at all and time just passed so slowly.
One day at Wilson feels like 3 days -- it's that good !
Friday, December 21, 2012
CIO of the Year
Yesterday I received a message that I really hadn't expected, IT News had voted me as finalist in CIO of the Year.
There are 15 finalists for Australia and I'm in the financial services last 3, along with CBA Executive CIO Michael Harte. He is undoubtedly the favorite in my view for the overall title, having led such a high profile organisation into a position of market leadership.
It is a cliche to say that you are humbled - but I am indeed 'humbled'.
It is also a cliche to say that this is the consequence of the work of a great team - that's also a fact. I'm blessed with a talented and committed team at cua that wants to make a difference.
This recognition is a lovely Xmas present and the perfect way to cap off an incredible year.
http://www.itnews.com.au/News/327044,finalists-chosen-for-cio-of-the-year.aspx
There are 15 finalists for Australia and I'm in the financial services last 3, along with CBA Executive CIO Michael Harte. He is undoubtedly the favorite in my view for the overall title, having led such a high profile organisation into a position of market leadership.
It is a cliche to say that you are humbled - but I am indeed 'humbled'.
It is also a cliche to say that this is the consequence of the work of a great team - that's also a fact. I'm blessed with a talented and committed team at cua that wants to make a difference.
This recognition is a lovely Xmas present and the perfect way to cap off an incredible year.
http://www.itnews.com.au/News/327044,finalists-chosen-for-cio-of-the-year.aspx
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
12 12 12
Not a mistake but that's the title of this blog entry. Today is the last of the uniquely repeating dates in the calendar.
I remember making mental notes on 8 8 88 and other similar dates, but this one is special as it marks the end of that window.
If you use numerology 12 12 12 = 9
I'm not sure what that actually means but you can try a lottery ticket or go the casino and put money on the number.
Either way I wish you a great day today. Thinking about 'great', interestingly having just returned from Heron and Wilson island, the reef was just stunning and Wilson was simply spectacular. There were 4 guests and 2 staff - a chef and a liaison.
In a discussion with the chef, I commented to him that his 'worse' day on the island paradise was better than the 'best' for many in the world.
So let me restate again : wishing the 12 12 12 is a Wilson Island 'Great' day for you!
I remember making mental notes on 8 8 88 and other similar dates, but this one is special as it marks the end of that window.
If you use numerology 12 12 12 = 9
I'm not sure what that actually means but you can try a lottery ticket or go the casino and put money on the number.
Either way I wish you a great day today. Thinking about 'great', interestingly having just returned from Heron and Wilson island, the reef was just stunning and Wilson was simply spectacular. There were 4 guests and 2 staff - a chef and a liaison.
In a discussion with the chef, I commented to him that his 'worse' day on the island paradise was better than the 'best' for many in the world.
So let me restate again : wishing the 12 12 12 is a Wilson Island 'Great' day for you!
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