FQ DONOR SPOTLIGHT: ANNE FINDLAY

How did you encounter Flinders Quartet?

I first encountered FQ soon after they formed many years ago through some excellent publicity on their part and a mutual friend taking me to their concerts. I was immediately struck by the enthusiasm and passionate approach the musicians showed to their art, and the engaging personalities of each performer which shone through their playing, still so evident today.

What makes you continuously support FQ?

The FQ has continued on its path of performing at the highest level for many years now and it always delivers innovative and exciting interpretations. One point that has emerged as an overall trend with the FQ is the ability to commission local Australian composers to write for it and this alone has put it at the forefront of contributing to the immense talent we have in this country. It has introduced us to some young, emerging and talented musicians to join in performing various works, thereby giving them exposure to performance opportunities and networks. 

The Australian public has been given a gift by this wonderful, youthful group of fine musicians and we are rightly proud of the position of the FQ in the Australian music scene and in particular, chamber music.

Zoe Knighton and her team always make themselves available to the members of their audience after a concert for a personal chat and this accessible approach enhances the public’s warmth towards them. At these opportunities, we can ask questions about anything relating to the music and the musicians are all very generous with their passion and love of their art. Zoe has become a dear friend of mine and we have enjoyed some really interesting conversations about music, musical biographies and more. 

I have, and always will, support the FQ financially and in person at concerts, and will encourage others to do the same. If my contributions help to secure its future a little more each time, I feel it is an extremely worthwhile way to help these wonderful Australian musicians feel acknowledged, and to ensure their future is solid, ongoing, challenging and full of exciting new ways to bring music to the attention of the general emotional and artistic health of our community. We need the FQ to continue their musical journey more than ever now and to feel well supported by the environment it lives in. 

Can you tell us a little bit about you?

I have been a musician all my life and feel privileged to have had an ongoing love of many aspects of this most rewarding of the Arts. I have been involved with piano, teaching, choirs, chamber music, musical committees, schools’ programs and most importantly, affiliations with many colleagues over the years. It has been a most stimulating and rewarding life driven by a never-ending passion for the music itself and the like-minded people who have opened my eyes to its many aspects. It’s a necessity in my life and I know my colleagues feel the same.