Veteran presenter David just loves his classics

David, 76, celebrated the 30th anniversary of his first community radio broadcast in November.

He said he fell deeply in love with classical music in 1958 and it remains one of his true passions.

“Classical music can be deeply moving, it can be dramatic and it can be exciting,” he said.

“I really think classical music represents the peak of musical creation.”

David became involved in community radio when he joined former state premier John Cain for the opening of radio station 3CCC in Harcourt in 1986.

Presenter Bev Ellis noted David’s passion for and knowledge of classical music while interviewing him and persuaded him to try his hand at presenting.

He went on to co-found community station Phoenix Radio and still presents his show, Classical Bendigo, at the station every Thursday from 1-3pm.

He likes to host themed shows that feature pieces composed around specific themes or events.

He said classical music; with its background of use in opera, ballet and symphonic music, offered a depth and range of material, which meant pieces could be found to compliment any theme he chose to explore.

David plans to keep presenting as long as he can.

“It’s wonderful to have something you really love doing in retirement,” he said.

“Radio gives me the chance to be a little creative and it keeps me active and energetic.”

David’s favourite composers are Beethoven and Tchaikovsky.

For people living outside of Bendigo, Classical Bendigo and other Radio Phoenix programs can also be found online.

COMMUNITY broadcaster Golden Days Radio has been acknowledged for its outstanding contribution, taking out the 2016 Tony Staley Award on November 12.

The award was presented at the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia’s annual gala conference dinner.

It acknowledges community broadcasting organisations or initiatives that actively promote the values of community broadcasting.

Golden Days Radio president Larry James said the station was thrilled to have been acknowledged.

He said the station had been serving the community for a quarter of a century and credited volunteer Peter Thomas for producing a promotional video that brought a lot of extra attention to the station this year.

“There are a lot of lonely people in the world and music really does tend to break down barriers and get people together,” he said.

The award is named after Tony Staley, a prominent politician and business figure who was instrumental in the development of Australia’s community broadcasting sector.