INTERVIEW WITH DAVID AND LISA BROOKES

WITH PAOLA NISCIOLI

Our General Manager, Operations Paola Niscioli sat down with David and Lisa Brookes in late October to discuss their connection to UKARIA and what keeps them returning.

What is your connection with UKARIA?

Lisa: When we first came to the Hills in 1996, Ulrike was our neighbour and, on hearing that our daughter was playing violin, suggested coming to a recital – which were held at Jurlique back in those days. From there we occasionally went to concerts in the room on the Ngeringa herb farm, and while the current UKARIA venue was being built, attended several concerts at the Mount Barker Waldorf school hall. That connection triggered our interest in classical concert going, and since then we have really enjoyed so many of the opportunities presented.

You’ve both seen a real evolution of this site. What have been your observations over this time?

David: Obviously, it has changed a great deal. There used to be just a few concerts each year when in the packing shed with small audiences, to now a purpose-built venue which has become a stately destination that hosts a lot of concerts with a wide variety of artists, catering to a larger audience reach, yet it remains an intimate and unique venue.

What has motivated us the most to support Ulrike is her belief and vision, not to mention the fact that she took on the funding of UKARIA herself, not relying on grants and assistance. Being neighbours, we have watched all this in admiration and so have been keen to be supportive.

Lisa: The diversity of the concerts on offer has changed. Now in addition to the wonderful classical performances, there is also jazz and contemporary music. The introduction of the UKARIA 24 weekends [now Chamberfest] further enhances the programming. In our first few years we would sign up for a season of around 10 concerts but now there is a need to be selective.

David: UKARIA has now grown into a world class venue that would easily compare with those at any major European city, in that you can see notable musicians in a conveniently located and authentic setting. We are extremely fortunate that it attracts the best performers in the world to the Adelaide Hills.

Lisa: The growth which has happened at UKARIA in just nine years is quite remarkable. The fact that artists are now contacting UKARIA wanting to perform here says it all.

How has your own musical journey grown? Is that what keeps you coming back as well?

Lisa: Our musical knowledge has expanded through coming to concerts. We have seen many amazing international and local musicians playing a wide repertoire of music. The introduction of the jazz and contemporary series supported by Paul Grabowsky and Iain Grandage have added a further dimension to our experiences at UKARIA. One of the things that keep us coming back is we love the intimacy in the hall; to be that close to the performers you feel like you’re in a living room interacting with them. Just brilliant.

David: And it’s only a few minutes away! Lisa’s interest in classical music blossomed through the UKARIA journey. We often talk about the most memorable concerts, and a number of those have been by artists that we knew nothing about and didn’t know what to expect. Ksenija Sidorova comes to mind from a few years back, as does Ilya Gringolts with Aura Go and Trio Karenine last year.

The level of trust the audience now has with our program is also interesting.

David: Yes, so when we’re looking at what to come to, if we don’t know the artists, we absolutely trust the program and would tend to just go and be surprised.

Lisa: I like the mix of instrumental and vocal too. I have loved coming to performances such as those by Lior, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Kate Miller-Heidke and VOCES8; it’s amazing to have access to such talented artists in a perfect setting.

You’re both real advocates for UKARIA. When you meet someone who doesn’t know the venue, what do you say about the place?

Lisa: It is just such a stunning venue and the hall is truly magnificent. Every time I walk into the hall I just smile. I can only imagine how Ulrike feels, it must warm her heart. The breadth of the program, the calibre of the musicians and the intimacy of the concert hall are all things to let people know about who have not yet been to UKARIA.

David: UKARIA has become a destination for music lovers and performers, and we are interested in seeing the Hills emerge further as a cultural region.

Lisa: As far as us donating, we feel so privileged to have this in our backyard. We view donating as one way to provide support towards ensuring that others and future generations continue to have access to wonderful musical and cultural experiences. We are inspired by Ulrike’s example; her vision and generosity has created this special place.

David: Ulrike’s aspiration from the outset to establish a self-funding core so that UKARIA’s function and purpose will be maintained in perpetuity has encouraged us to support UKARIA. We donate as a means of assisting and realise that there are many contributors in so many different ways to the overall success of the UKARIA story.

We acknowledge too that support comes in many ways – we have people who buy lots of tickets, we have volunteers who help with the Garden which is a huge support to us, and then of course we have a donor community who support financially, and then there are those who have notified us of a bequest which is the ultimate act of belief in our mission.

David and Lisa: To think that UKARIA can be self-perpetuating, with the level of quality that it encompasses, would be an amazing and deserved legacy for Ulrike.