Left to right: Professor David Shirley, Tim White OAM, Ron Crittall, Viki Russell, Genevieve Wilkins
The story behind the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts' (WAAPA's) newest percussion instrument is a fitting tribute to one of the Academy's most staunch supporters.
In memory of his late wife, Penny, Ron Crittall has generously donated a world-class Marimba One Xylophone to WAAPA, reflecting the couple's longstanding connection to the Academy.
Professor David Shirley, ECU Executive Dean of WAAPA, said Ron and Penny have been dedicated supporters of WAAPA since it was first established.
"Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis many years ago, Penny attended WAAPA performances in a wheelchair and was known and loved by regular audience members, as well as by many WAAPA staff," he said.
Sadly, Penny passed away in 2023, but her presence will live on in the first xylophone to be donated to WAAPA.
Ron said he couldn't think of a better way to honour the memory of Penny.
"We attended countless WAAPA performances together over many years and even when Penny was confined to a wheelchair, we still made it our regular outing," he said.
"Today has been a special tribute to Penny which she would have loved."
Ron Crittall sharing his heartfelt reflections of his late wife Penny Crittall with ECU staff in the McCusker Recital Hall.
"I'm absolutely thrilled to commemorate the memory of Penny, and this gorgeous new instrument and its bright ringing tones will continue the love and sparkle that she enjoyed," WAAPA Coordinator of Classical Music Tim White OAM said.
"It's a beautiful instrument that our students are going to be using in the McCusker Recital Hall in concerts with the WA Symphony Orchestra, and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the Here/Now New Music Ensemble in all of their recitals," he said.
"It will live in the McCusker Recital Hall, so that we take precious care of it for 50 years."
The xylophone is made from Honduras rosewood which is becoming increasing difficult to source and it has been fitted with a small plaque to honour Penny, featuring an image of a rhinoceros to reflect the Crittall's African heritage and long-time support of the Save African Rhino Foundation.
Concert Xylophone in the McCusker Recital Hall at ECU City.
"Xylophones are always made of different kinds of wood, and the types of wood have different resonances," Mr White explained.
"As much as I love Jarrah and Karri, and many West Australian timbers, they're very hard, but they're not very resonant.
"There's something about the cell structure of Honduras rosewood, and that makes the wood sing. So, when you strike a bar, it has a warm tone, and a resonance WA wood just doesn't have."
Mr White said Penny's presence in the audience was missed at WAAPA performances, but he knows she would be absolutely delighted to have the xylophone donated in her honour.
"You could say it's a brilliant, outgoing, bright and sparky instrument, just like Penny herself," he said.
"We miss Penny's bright smile, and her obvious delight in seeing young people make music on stage."
When it comes to honouring someone special, there are so many opportunities to create a special legacy in partnership with ECU and WAAPA. The University welcomes the opportunity to discuss memorial donations that align with your values, passions and that will make the impact most important to you.
Get in touch by emailing giving@ecu.edu.au or see Leave a legacy for more information.
