Bringing music to the village

She began playing piano at 12 and he bought his first saxophone at 19.

Music lovers Carlita and Brian Keene have been married almost 58 years, but it was only when they moved to the Gold Coast upon retirement that they began performing on stage together.

“As soon as we got here we started getting invitations to play at music clubs and retirement villages,” Carlita said.

“We mostly play the older songs that we grew up hearing around the piano; music from the twenties, thirties and forties.”

Carlita and Brian are residents at the Aveo Robina retirement village where they run a successful music appreciation group.

It started with Carlita and Brian putting on regular shows in the village lounge. That same lounge now plays host to some of the region’s most respected musicians, including classical pianist Ayesha Gough and tenor Daniel Mallari.

Carlita’s classical training led her to form an association with the Gold Coast Conservatorium of Musical Studies and the local Symphony Orchestra.

Through these connections, The Aveo Robina Music Appreciation Group has scouted several young emerging artists, giving them the opportunity to perform before an appreciative, mature audience.

One of these artists is the talented Kiandra Howarth, who came to the Music Appreciation Group when she was 15 and has recently been accepted into the Emerging Artists programme at the Royal Opera House in London.

Carlita said the artists who have “made a name for themselves” always love returning to Robina. 

“There is no raised stage so it’s such an intimate audience,” she said.

“It’s wonderful to sit back and watch a rapport being made between the artist and the audience.”

For the residents, the music brings joy and companionship. While the monthly performances are exclusive to village community members, they are encouraged to bring along family and friends.

The shows also give residents access to an activity they have likely enjoyed throughout their younger years.

“Not too many people in retirement villages can manage to get to Brisbane or the Gold Coast Arts Centre for a night out,” Carlita said.

“You can go to the movies, but concerts are something very special.”

After a solid eight years, the Music Appreciation Group celebrated its 100^th performance last month.

An extended line-up enthralled from start to finish. Young soprano Simone Nicole, tenor Daniel Mallari and pianist Ayesha Gough captured the hearts of everyone in the room.

The milestone is no cause for rest thought. Carlita and Brian are always searching for new and exciting artists to perform for the residents.

“We are proud of our achievements, but the stage is set.

“We want to keep this going as long as we can.” 

Image: The Music Appreciation Group's performance in April. From left: Trina Hockley, pianists Himman & Lockman Lo, Carlita Keene, Jeremy Beamish & Brian Keene. CONTRIBUTED.