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Robert Hill, world renowned harpsichordist and Professor at the Musikhochschule in Freiburg, Germany, will share the magic of WA surgeon David Cooke's generous gift to The University of Western Australia at a recital on his brother's beautiful creation, a Keith Hill Harpsichord.

Made in the United States by one of the best harpsichord builders in the world, the $60,000 instrument will command a place of honour within the School of Music in addition to its original 18th century harpsichord.

Keith Hill understands intimately the nature of tone production and has honed his craft to such a degree that he is able to consistently produce instruments of extraordinary tonal beauty.  His instruments are in demand all over the world and can be found in the finest baroque ensembles in Europe and the US.

The harpsichord, a forerunner of the piano and widely used in the 17th and 18th centuries, has enjoyed a revival in recent years for the authentic performance of baroque music, one of the hallmarks of UWA's School of Music.

An active patron of the arts, Dr Cooke has also commissioned a harpsichord concerto for UWA from Australian composer Peter Sculthorpe.

The School of Music's Winthrop Professor Paul Wright described The School as extremely fortunate to own the highly prized harpsichord, saying one of the most important aesthetics of music in the 18th century and earlier related to the concept of beauty and soul.  The harpsichord is the bedrock in the sound world of much of this music. READ MORE

EDITORS NOTE :  This event INVITATION ONLY.  Media wishing to attend should RSVP Bianca Galipo on 08 6488 4214

WHAT: Robert Hill recital to launch the UWA Keith Hill harpsichord

WHEN: 6.30 for 7.30pm Saturday 24 September

WHERE: The Callaway Music Auditorium, School of Music, UWA.  The nearest car parks are P1 via Winthrop entrance and P23 off Hackett Drive.

Media references

Winthrop Professor Paul Wright (UWA School of Music) (+61 8) 6488 2060
Bianca Galipo (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences)  (+61 8)  6488 4212
Michael Sinclair-Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 3229  /  (+61 4) 00 700 783