A SICK KOALA in the driveway of Lucas Parklands – the iconic Montville concert hall in the rainforest – has been the spur for a major fundraising concert.
Ian and Lee Lucas contacted the wildlife retrieval crew at Australia Zoo. Sadly, the koala had leukaemia and could not be saved.
International concert pianist Pascal Roge is passionate about wildlife conservation and when he heard the koala story from Ian Lucas he offered to do a benefit concert to in Montville to help Australian wildlife.
Amazingly, Pascal agreed to detour from his current US concert tour and perform in Montville on September 4.
Ian and Lee are delighted that Pascal is bringing his wife Ami, also a concert pianist to play in their home in Montville, paying his own way and donating all concert proceeds to the founder of Australia Zoo.
We were able to relay the story to Bob Irwin and his wife Judy, says Ian. Bob is happy to attend the concert and will speak from the heart regarding his strong commitment to wildlife conservation.
Pascal and Ami suggested they play Carnival of the Animals, a piece by French composer Saint-Saens for two pianos and a small orchestra. Gwyn Roberts, who is head of strings at the University of Queensland, will conduct the orchestra and narrate the Carnival piece from a text using predominately Australian animals, all of which are in the Australia Zoo.
Contact Lucas Parklands: 54 78 5667
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