Keith Harris, mandolin maven
Some of you may remember the Tech High Stromenti, the chamber ensemble organised by music teacher Chris Andrews in 1965. Among its outstanding musicians was Keith Harris, seen here front row, second from right, holding a domra, cousin to the mandolin.
Keith Harris went on to make a career in Europe as a mandolin player, teacher, arranger and conductor. He also played the banjo, and he even made an album when the rest of us were mere schoolboys still under the dire rule of Bing and Bong.
Here is a YouTube video of Keith in 1990.
Vivaldi, Concerto for Two Mandolins in G, Keith Harris and Stephen Morey, with Melbourne Mandolin Orchestra, conducted by Werner Ruecker, c. 1990
Sydney Tech High certainly fostered some serious talent.
Steve, Keith and Jenny went to Beverly Hills Primary with me and although 2 years older, I had a good friendship with Keith, when we travelled on the 112 bus to school, when o(ur tenures overlapped. Keith and Jenny placed well in the TV talent quests, during their school years. Great to see Keith was able to make a professional career from the instruments he loved. Imants Tillers was one his classmates, who excelled as an artist. Regards John Booth
ReplyDeleteKeith was a great friend. I visited his home often, and he was always open and cheerful
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