The 2019 Parish Fete - Sunday 10 November, 2019

Images: Frank Bugeja

Eric Genuis Concert - Monday 18 March, 2019

Images: Frank Bugeja

Eric Genuis, who last visited the Macarthur Region in 2009, is an acclaimed composer, virtuoso pianist and inspirational speaker. He has composed, recorded and produced several original CDs and has performed on international television and scored original music for independent films.

Eric’s concerts are a mixture of music, stories, humour, thought-provoking cultural insight and audience interaction – and this was clearly exemplified in his concert at Saint Anthony’s Parish Church.

Born in Canada but currently residing in the USA, Eric graduated from the Royal Conservatory of Music with a degree in Piano Performance. He has also studied film scoring at the acclaimed Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA. His musical career began when he was invited to perform at an AIDS benefit concert in Poland for an audience of 15,000. He started touring in the USA in 1997 and has been touring ever since.

Eric has performed in every kind of venue and performs nearly 100 concerts worldwide every year with a group of violinists, cellists, and vocalists. Through his non-profit organisation Concerts for Hope which he launched in 2016, Eric seeks to bring hope and inspiration through the beauty of music to the forgotten on the fringes of society. Over the years, he has performed countless charity concerts in rehab centres, nursing homes, homeless shelters, veterans’ homes and prisons. In the words of Eric: “Music is a language with the profound ability to stir the heart, inspire the mind, and enliven the soul. It is my sincere desire that my music will awaken hope, uplift the emotions, renew the spirit, and resonate within the heart of our shared human experience.” Eric’s 2019 concert schedule involved 20 concerts in parishes, 11 concerts in five prisons and 8 concerts in high schools.

At the concert held at Saint Anthony’s Parish Church on 18 March 2019, Eric was accompanied by Yu-ting Wu (violinist), Emily Munstedt (cellist) and Kimberly Dyckman (soprano).

The 2019 concert visit was organised by Father Mark De Battista, currently Chaplain Priest at the University of Wollongong, and the Concert Committee. Father Mark was also involved in bringing Eric out in 2009. He introduced Eric to those who attended the Saint Anthony’s Parish concert.

The Opening of the St Anthony's Parish Administration Centre - Saturday 23 February, 2019

Images: Frank Bugeja