Helfgott launches music room

Mr Helfgott performed two pieces for the audience and received a standing ovation.

Mt Lawley SHS’s string quartet ” Annalise and Stephanie Kop, Lorraine Rosson and Stephanie Vuduris ” had its first performance for the year at the event.

Year 11 pianist Mei Lyn Woon also delighted Mr Helfgott with her performance.

Mt Lawley SHS principal Milton Butcher said he was very proud to unveil the David Helfgott Music Practice Room.

‘His life story is one of achievement despite his significant adversities and his perseverance is an embodiment of our school values,’ Mr Butcher said.

‘It is a fantastic opportunity for our music students to practise and improve their musical skills and ability.’

The musician’s wife Gillian addressed the room on behalf of her husband and said the gesture warmed their hearts.

‘I’d particularly like to thank principal Milton Butcher,’ Mrs Helfgott said.

‘When he first wrote and suggested this honour for David, well we both had a cry.

‘David’s passion and his music saw him through some very challenging years and music fills David’s soul and it is his greatest companion in life.

‘Living with David and his music is the most enormous pleasure for me and he embraces all with equality and love shared through music.’

In 2004, Edith Cowan University recognised Mr Helfgott’s musical achievements with an Honorary Doctorate of Music.

His story was the subject of the 1996 film Shine that won an Oscar for Australian actor Geoffrey Rush, who played Mr Helfgott.