AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION
ISLAMABAD
PRESS RELEASE
2 May 2012
“Australia Day in Spring 2012”
Australian High Commission celebrates relations with Pakistan
at major reception at High Commissioner’s Residence
The Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, HE Mr Tim George, hosted a major reception in Islamabad on 2 May to celebrate Australia’s expanding and vibrant relationship with Pakistan.
The event was called “Australia Day in Spring – A celebration of Australia in Pakistan.” Events were held in Karachi (30 April), Islamabad (2 May) and Lahore (scheduled for 4 May).
The reception featured an Australian musical trio called Fiddlers Feast - comprising Marcus Holden, Andrew Clermont and Liz Frencham – who came from Australia especially for the “Australia Day in Spring” events. They played lively and energetic music from Australia to entertain guests who enjoyed excellent spring weather in the High Commissioner’s garden.
“This major event reflects the importance that Australia places on its strong and enduring partnership with Pakistan,” Mr George said. “Australia wants to engage positively and cooperatively with Pakistan not only in development terms, but as a partner in trade and investment too.
“In this regard, two senior executives from the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) were also in attendance: Mr Peter Linford, Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner South Asia, and Mr David Landers, General Manager, Growth & Emerging Markets. They are visiting Pakistan to develop trade and business opportunities with Pakistani business leaders.
Mr George also pointed out that Australia presents an excellent market for Pakistani exporters.. “Many people do not realise that Australia is now the 13th largest economy in the world with a GDP of $US1.6 trillion and a global trading nation with two-way trade in excess of US$550 billion,” he said.
Mr George said the visit of Fiddlers Feast had been a valuable opportunity for cultural exchange with Pakistan. “I very much welcome the visit of Fiddlers Feast, representing Australia’s rich cultural and musical traditions, to Pakistan.”
The reception will also provide an opportunity for Mr George and his wife Geraldine to say farewell to good colleagues and friends in Islamabad, as they will depart Pakistan in just over a month.
The Australian High Commission gratefully acknowledges the support of AusAID, Thai Airways and Austrade (and various Australian and Pakistani suppliers)in staging the “Australia Day in Spring” events.
Attachment 1
Preview of Fiddlers Feast
Fiddlers Feast - consisting of Andrew Clermont, Marcus Holden and Liz Frencham - are names synonymous with the Australian Fiddling and Folk scene.
Andrew and Marcus are not only founding members of Fiddlers Feast (a group whose performances has taken them all over the globe) but are Directors of the Golden Fiddle Awards, an annual event that recognizes the depth of talent in the music scene Down Under.
Andrew divides his time between travelling Europe and Australia performing with groups such as Totally Gorgeous and Blue Guru, both hits at major festivals both at home and overseas. His legendary Tamworth Supper Club has for many years brought the very best in the diverse wealth of talent drawn from the annual Country Music Festival to delight audiences young and old.
Marcus wears as many hats as he can. Recording engineer; musical director and producer; string arranger and composer; founding member of Mic Conway’s National Junk Band; he occasionally appears in front of the odd symphony orchestra (dressed in a kilt) in strange places such as New York’s Lincoln Centre or in a more relaxed attire presenting research on weird resonator violins.
Liz’s latest project has seen her collaborate with well-known singer/songwriter diplomat Fred Smith whose latest CD Dust Of Uruzgan has received much critical acclaim in 2012. As a singer/song-writer/bass player Liz also has produced four solo CDs and three as long time member of Celtic Group JigZag.
With many recording and performance credits to all their names, this unique trio brings musicality, humour and great entertainment to their ever burgeoning list of credits. Not only do they perform with skill but their joy of performing together is highly infectious.