By Sue Thompson
Coldstream resident The Man from Snowy River composer Bruce Rowland and his wife Maria will spend an afternoon in conversation with Lilydale Historical Society society members on Saturday 6 May from 2.30pm.
After many years composing music for Australian television shows, Bruce wanted to work in feature films.
A friend gave him a copy of the script for the upcoming film The Man from Snowy River.
Bruce experimented with multiple ideas for the soundtrack, none of which he was happy with.
After a frustrating afternoon in the middle of winter, Bruce went to bed, only to wake suddenly at 3am.
Bruce went outside to his studio, sat at his piano, and in one take played and recorded Jessica’s Theme, which would go on to become one of the most beloved and recognisable tracks in Australian film.
When director George Miller heard it Bruce was hired to score his first feature film.
Much of Bruce’s work is instantly recognisable, characterised by emotional depth and evocative melodies.
For Bruce, composition is about what feels right. He has an abiding interest in the marriage between music and visual images, and music’s ability to transport viewers through seasons, landscapes and emotions.
Bruce is a skilled pianist and has a particular love for orchestral music and composition.
Bruce’s career spans a multitude of motion pictures, cable movies, mini-series, series, animations and special live events.
He wrote and conducted the music for the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, which included a special rendition of Bruce’s score for The Man from Snowy River.
This is your chance to learn about the life of a local composer who has worked around the world but prefers the tranquillity of Coldstream, his home of more than 40 years and from where he draws much of his inspiration.
Learn more about Bruce at the News & Events page at lilydalehistorical.com.au
