Grafton flood relief charity concert to bring joy and boost hope

Clarence Valley Orchestra will deliver the numbers “that people know” at a special flood relief charity concert. But you’ll have to be quick for this ticket-limited affair.

The flood plains squish with the blow of baking mud, but the hills will be alive with the sound of music at a special charity concert at Grafton.

At the helm of the fundraiser will be local doctor of audiology, Greg Butcher, who has heard the need for some joy in the community after the Clarence flooded.

The Symphony for Relief will be held at The Barn on Saturday, April 23, and Mr Butcher hopes a couple of hundred attend to raise money for the valley’s recovery.

The stars have aligned for the benefit.

Featured guest artists include Australian baritone Troy Castle and stylistic vocalist Lisa Butcher.

Greg Butcher: “It will help the people who’ve done it quite rough.” Picture: Adam Hourigan

The Clarence Valley Orchestra will be front and centre, as will be Mr Butcher, who serves as its artistic director and conductor.

The program will be eclectic - from opera to Latin American and jazz.

“It will be light entertainment - not your boring old community orchestra,” Mr Butcher said.

“It will be songs that people know.”

All proceeds from the concert will go to the Rotary District 9640 Flood Relief Appeal, and to repair damage to horse stables, cattle pavilions and fields at the Grafton Showgrounds.

“It will help the people who’ve done it quite rough,” Mr Butcher said.

With years of experience, he is confident of a memorable show for the Clarence.

“I grew up in the Air Force, and spent 20 years with the Royal Air Force Band in Sydney,” Mr Butcher said.

He said the local 40-piece orchestra was keen to dig deep.

“We’re there to work for the community,” Mr Butcher said.

The event will include a light lunch from noon, with the baton set to wave from 2pm.

Tickets are limited and can be booked via the Eventbrite website (type Symphony for Relief).