Countertenor Adrian Boorman Raises £10,000 for Music For Autism
Robert Accordino and Lisa Splitlog, posted March 16, 2006.
To celebrate his 50th birthday, countertenor Adrian Boorman had a novel idea: raising money for Music for Autism. His efforts led to the “Wayfaring Stranger” fundraising concert held in the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building, Oxford, England, on Oct. 9, 2005, that attracted an audience of 150 and raised £10,000 for the charity.
Adrian Boorman presents check to John Lubbock and Christine Cairns, Founders of Music for Autism, with actress Susan Hampshire.
There was something for everyone at the eclectic concert, from baroque to pop, romantic to folksong and jazz. Sharing their musical talents during the special evening were mezzo soprano Christine Cairnes (Music for Autism founder); pianist John Lubbock (Music for Autism founder and Artistic Director of the Orchestra of St. John’s); countertenor Nicholas Clapton; countertenor Adrian Boorman; pianist Duncan Honeybourne; cellist Joe Littlewood; mezzo soprano Annabel Molyneaux; organist and harpsichordist Malcolm Pearce; pianist Lynette Stulting; baritone Graham Trew; jazz vocalist and pianist Olly Wedgwood; and St. James Singers, the a cappella ensemble. The evening also included readings and remarks by actress Susan Hampshire, along with John Lubbock and Adrian Boorman.
Adrian’s idea to contribute to Music for Autism began when he met John and Christine Lubbock, and Alexander, their son with autism. Christine has been Adrian’s voice teacher for several years, and Adrian and Alexander often have the opportunity to interact. “Though Alexander and I are two very different people, from different generations and with different skill sets, I am constantly reminded ofthe remarkable similarities between our journeys,” said Adrian. “We both struggle with the trials and tribulations of life — with big highs and equally big lows. We both suffer from the frustration of wanting so very much to do, but often not quite being able to. We both are so reliant on our mentors to keep us on the straight and narrow and to pick us up and dust us down when we fall. We both draw strength from the love, support and commitment of those closest to us.”
He added, “I guess we are both wayfaring strangers. Neither of our journeys will have an end – only more faltering steps along a bumpy road. I used to think that crossing the finishing line as the winner was important. It’s taken 50 years, but now I realise it’s having the courage to enter the race at all, to hang on — often against the odds — to compete at one’s own level for its own sake, which is the true fulfilment of our self. I am deeply touched by the generosity of so many of my friends who gave freely of their time and talents to perform at the fundraising concert.”
“Music for Autism expresses enormous thanks to Adrian for organizing such a memorable evening of music, and for his most generous donation of the fundraising from the concert,” said John and Christine Lubbock, Music for Autism founders.
