The Music That Moves US

By Dr Renée Ralph, Co-Founder, The Brilliant Foundation

Right to Left : Gypsy Williams and Zoe Bizzaca, High School students performing in public for the first time with their original composition "Hear Me Out".

MOUNT LAWLEY - Fifi Mondello, Founding Member, The Brilliant Foundation, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) artists and Indigenous musicians raised over $1,000 for Foundation of Indigenous Sustainable Health (FISH) in partnership with Dominque and Liam Rae, owners of Local & Aesthetic. In the heart of giving, Dominique and Liam waived the venue fee hire after seeing the talented performers sang their songs and played their original composition. All funds raised will be donated to FISH.

Mark Anderson, CEO, FISH believes that when you connect the Kaart (head), Koort (heart) and the Wirn (spirit) then people are moved. We begin to see the world slightly differently and deepen our sense of what is important in life.

Dominique Rae, Owner of Local & Aesthetic in Mount Lawley believes in supporting local businesses, community and First Nations.

This was evident yesterday at the inaugural event "The Music that Moves Us", showcasing budding musicians, First Nations and WAAPA artists emceed and hosted by Fifi Mondello, Founding Member, The Brilliant Foundation.

Where we spent time celebrating music that moves us and talking about the importance of building community as together we walk shoulder to shoulder softly upon this land.

People, old and young and from different backgrounds, came together to share time to celebrate music that moves us and the stories that sit behind the music. There were even international tourists visiting who enjoyed the excellent musical event. We celebrated community and once again committed ourselves to walk together to bring positive lasting change for our community where all people feel heard, valued and honoured as we strive to make this world a better place for all.

High school student Gypsy Williams, an Indigenous musician with her friend, Zoe Bizzaca composed a new song “Hear Me Out’ for The Music That Moves Us. It was the first time the duo performed in public and were excited to sing and play for the us. Gypsy thanked her mother, Polly Wilson for all the support given to her – the love, inspiration and for making a life better for her family and siblings. Gypsy said:” Dreams do come true if you believe and work for it.”

Fifi Mondello sang classic favourites – Stand by Me, True Colours, A Wonderful World moving the crowd with her own flair and confident rendition backed by Scott Demalotte, a WAAPA composer and guitarist.

Next Fifi introduced Scott who played his original music titled “Submerge”. In true artist form, Scott gave the title of his composition on his way driving to the event in his car. It was an ethereal piece, soothing, calm and moved us to another dimension.

Rachael Coltrona a WAAPA singer and keyboard player sang Day Dream, Hallelujah and If I Ain’t Got You – she enjoyed performing and felt really nervous too. Rachael was really happy to be part of this event, coming together to support such a great cause.

Alanah Linn a WAAPA graduate played and sang her 3 original pieces The End, Happy Birthday and Routines. She is currently studying Bachelor of Arts at Curtin University. She shared that WAAPA encouraged the music students to create their own pieces of work and she has found that the entire experience and journey encouraging.

We celebrate and thank the wonderful musicians who shared their hearts and spirit with those present. We would also like to thank Alexander Circosta and Rachael Coltrona who took the extra initiative to film, produce and edit the video clips for The Music That Moves Us. Madeleine Antoine who shared and supported the event on her social media.

Polly Wilson, Manager and Artist, FISH with Rachael Coltrona, WAAPA musician

Alanah Linn, WAAPA musician with Curtin undergraduates, Jasmine Chow and Charlie Chhum.

Behind the scenes, we thank the students who volunteered their afternoon to help with guest arrivals and walk-in ticket sales. Over 70 individuals within the brilliant community came to support The Music That Moves Us.

The music event ended with a Raffle Ticket Draw – a photograph taken by international photographer, David Renni valued at $1,5000. The lucky winner, Ros G walked away with the prize.

More gorgeous snaps of the day:

David Rennie, International photographer - his art piece for a Raffle Ticket draw valued at $1,500.

Curtin International Student, Shuo Tan enjoyed the music very much and was motivated to play music again. He completed the Culture, Communications, Indigenous Perspectives in Business (CCIB) unit in collaboration with Centre of Aboriginal Studies (CAS) in Semester 1, 2022.

Recent Curtin University Human Resources graduate Rose Pigga shared that the music played was really excellent, she came with her partner.

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