9 August 2012 Pre-Concert Function Clare Choir Tour

The Clare College Choir in conjunction with the Australian Chamber Orchestra toured Australia’s main capital cities in August 2012 with the support of former Clare alumnus, Daryl Dixon. The program included a stirring rendition of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. On Thursday 9th August they were performing at the Sydney Opera House. Prior the performance, the Society hosted a pre-concert buffet dinner with guest speaker, Anthony John "Tony" Badger the Paul Mellon Professor of American History and Master of Clare College. There were over 70 people attending and Tony spoke on the perils of being a Cambridge College Master ranging from a group Japanese tourists asking for a tour of the Master’s Lodge on Christmas Day to the fatal moment when the Fellows ask to paint your portrait. This is regarded as the tell-tale evidence that the Fellows consider it is time to elect a new Master. Tony also reminded the audience he had played college rugby with the current President (Sidney Sussex ca. 1966) and his final year captained the worst performing rugby team Sidney has produced since WWII prompting the comment from a long suffering spectator that at least we won the war. During question time he made a number of interesting observations about the upcoming US election and the parlous state of American politics. It was great evening followed by a brilliant concert performance.