MLADI IN NJIHOVI DOSEZKI
Paul Paddle
MLADI IN NJIHOVI DOSEZKI
Paul Paddle
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Domaca
stran Glasa
Slovenije
STICISCE
AVSTRALSKIH
SLOVENCEV
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My name is PAUL PADDLE.
I am currently doing The International Baccalaureate in my final Year of school, Year 12, at Ivanhoe Grammar School, Melbourne. I am involved in all school activities such as music (I have and Associate Diploma in both Viola and Music), sport, (I love snow skiing and swimming), debating, drama and musicals, etc. Of all my subjects at school, the one I enjoy perhaps the most is French. In fact, I think, through try Slovenian background, ( my mother is Slovenian), coupled with the fact that I live in this diverse country, has imbued me with a love of and deep interest in foreign languages and cultures, especially European languages and cultures. I consider myself very lucky to have such a variety in my blood. I have had two languages for as long as I can remember. My first language was in fact Slovenian, though I was born here. Because my Oma, who looked after both Alenka and I when we were I little could not speak any English, she taught us both, ostensibly, how to speak Slovenian. I do not think this confused me in terms of communication or in terms of identity, conversely, it strengthened my strength of self, even at an early age, as can be seen in this story. I remember once, when Alenka and I were playing in the front yard around the fish pond, waiting for our mother to come home. So that Oma could understand, we would speak in Slovenian. A woman, who was walking past, asked us what language we were speaking. I answered: "It is called Slovenian." She asked us, who taught us Slovenian and replied. "Oma. My Mum is Slovenian, my Dad is English, and Alenka and I are Australian." As you can see, the mixture I was and still am, only helped to strengthen my identity and pride in who I am. Over the years, I have been constantly reminded of all aspects of my background, through performing at Slovenian Clubs and concerts, visiting relatives in Slovenia, (and vice versa), going to church etc. And I realize that, in a multicultural place such as Australia, in a time of cultural awareness, reconciliation and regrettable conflict, we who are a mixture of cultures, of bloods, and yet a unity within ourselves, are the luckiest of all. Paul Paddle, Melbourne
/Melbourne Mahlerfest - Music Academy/ - Melbourne Mahlerfest is an Australian first, with performances of all of Mahler's extraordinary works for voice, as well as some of the symphonic music, over three weeks (from August 1). This festival will see over 500 young musicians performing alongside some of best known artists.
August 2 famous Nehama Patkin will play piano with Melody He Qi; Elizabeth Sellars, violin; our Paul Paddle, viola; Eve Silver, cello. Venue |
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