The Theme and Variations Foundation celebrated their third annual fundraiser with international pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk.

The Theme and Variations Foundation celebrated their third annual fundraiser last Saturday at the Steinway piano showroom in Willoughby. The Foundation was established to help highly talented but circumstantially disadvantaged young Australian pianists.

In attendance were renowned international pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk, musicologist David Garret, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir, Governor of New South Wales and Australian politician, The Honourable Bronwyn Bishop. Gavrylyuk, who is currently on an Australian tour, treated those in attendance to a stage conversation with David Garrett which included a small demonstration at the piano.

On the significance of the evening, The Honourable Bronwyn Bishop said that “Tonight illustrates how this foundation plays an important role. The people who come and support us are very special, because without your generosity, without your believing this is important, then young people’s talent will not flourish. And the world will be poorer.” She went on to say “You allow something magic to be released into the world by developing that talent which is natural, and a gift for those who have it.”

Last year, funds raised by the Foundation supported three young Australian pianists who...