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.  Michael has flown from Singapore to introduce the film and will be available to answer questions after.

After a short interval Edward and Stephanie Neeman will then perform several of his piano compositions interspersed with excerpts from Sep's diary read 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 this secure link: Buy Kelly's Biography.

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 the Church, Phoenix Central Park for welcoming us to their innovative venue.