To support and fundraise for the new Marian Barford Award, Robert Jackson and Keith Power will ride 520kms from Armidale to Orange, where they will perform Beethoven's complete works for Cello & Piano at the Orange Regional Conservatorium.

Robert & Keith plan to ride the distance over five days to arrive in Orange and perform the "Beethoven cycle" (Beethoven's works for cello & piano) over two concerts on October 1st and 2nd.

Tickets for the concerts can be booked at https://www.trybooking.com/CBZUN

All donations and concert ticket proceeds will go to the Marian Barford Award. The Marian Barford Award is named after NECOM’s first string teacher, the late Marian Barford, who sadly passed away after ten years at NECOM in 2015. The Award honours Marian’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to NECOM’s string program, the AYO orchestras, the Armidale Symphony Orchestra and her many string students who she loved to teach.

The Marian Barford Award is awarded to very deserving students in Years 11 & 12 enrolled in instrumental or vocal lessons at the New England Conservatorium of Music. The Award offers financial assistance of up to $1000 for students to support their continued involvement in musical activities, which serve to facilitate the development of their musical potential. The award can help students buy an instrument, assist with Australian Youth Orchestra fees, or travel costs to attend tertiary auditions.

Marian was a mentor for Robert in his first year as a teacher at the New England Conservatorium of Music. She always found time to teach her students, even when fighting her illness. She loved what she did and wanted to support students as much as possible. The upcoming ride and performances are inspired by her memory.

Day 1 Armidale to Tamworth 105km

Day 2 Tamworth to Premer 130km

Day 3 Premer to Dunedoo 100km

Day 4 Dunedoo to Wellington 100km

Day 5 Wellington to Orange 97km

Our Ride is supported by Greg Flynn and Ali Flynn from Altitude Fitness Armidale

photos courtesy of daverobinsonphotography.com