Septimus Kelly: 'Australia's Chopin'

'Sep' Kelly was a brilliant composer, pianist and Olympic gold medalist, who was killed 110 years ago in WW1’s Battle of the Somme. He is Australia's greatest cultural loss to war.

We wish to remember his genius as we launch the first full biography by Dr Therese Radic and Olympic rower Martin Cross, and screen the premiere of an award-winning short film 'Elegy' by Dr Michael Walsh, filmed by Dan Frodsham, about the iconic work Kelly wrote for his friend and fellow officer, British poet Rupert Brooke.

After a short interval Edward and Stephanie Neeman will then perform several of his iconic piano works and will be joined by Chris Latham on violin to perform 'Elegy - In Memoriam Rupert Brooke' interspersed with narrations from his Sep's diary by Carrillo Gantner AC.

The biography 'To Gallipoli and the Somme: F.S. Kelly; War hero, Olympic champion and Pianist Composer' will not be available for purchase at the event, however, you can order a copy via the homepage at Flowers of Peace website (and we can have it available for you at the event, or post it to you):   The biography's RRP is $30 

For further information on Septimus Kelly visit the Flowers of Peace website.

We wish to acknowledge the on-going support of the Australian War Memorial and the philanthropic generosity of Metal Manufactures Limited who have made this capital city tour possible.  We also wish to thank Judith Neilson AM and staff of The Church for welcoming us to their innovative venue.