A Journey Into Time, a soft rock opera set in space, composed and arranged by Noosa retiree Dick Whittington, played to a full house on 10 August at The J Theatre, with all revenue, $17,600 from the evening delivered to two charities – Katie Rose Cottage Hospice and The Salvation Army Noosaville.
The 24-song soft rock opera was deeply influenced by the music of Pink Floyd, The Moody Blues, Simon and Garfunkel, Cat Stevens and Leonard Cohen.
Dick, 69, wrote it in just 10 days in 1981 when he was a 28-year-old, father-of-two, mining engineer living in south-east British Colombia, Canada.
“I just started with this inspiration about wanting to write a series of songs about man’s journey into space, so it’s as much an opera as it is a rock concert,” Dick said.
“It was just one of those creative moments in life… and, as I had no ambitions at the time to have it performed, I promptly put it into my song book folder and consigned it to the bottom drawer where it gathered dust for 41 years until (daughter) Sarah said: ‘Dad you’ve got to put this on the stage before you kick the bucket’.”
At Sarah’s insistence, Dick took the first step towards seeing his rock opera vision performed on stage in December 2021 and with help from a wide range of talented locals it landed on stage with 100 per cent of all ticket receipts going to the two charities where Dick’s wife Gillian is a volunteer.
Dick said he was delighted that Noosa, once again, stepped up to support these two charitable foundations both on a personal basis and a corporate basis.
“It was great to hear my music played on the big stage but it was even greater to know that we were making a difference in peoples lives, those in need today and those in need at the end of their lives” he said.
“That so many local musicians and singers were part of the band – purposefully named The Deep Space Adventurer 1 band – was an added bonus. “There are so many talented local musicians it was great to see them showcase their talent at such a prestigious venue”.
Cheques were delivered to both charities at the office of Independent Noosa MP Sandy Bolton who was the patron for the event.
“It takes a village’ has never been truer. Thank you to all who attended to support these two organisations that change our world, Noosa Salvos during our life and Katie Rose Cottage Hospice in our last days. Gratitude to Dick and his beautiful wife Gillian, to the Deep Space Adventurer 1 Band formed especially for this event consisting of Noosa locals including the Cooran Choir, and to the wonderful volunteers and sponsors on the night,” Sandy said.
Matt Gluyas of The Salvation Army Noosaville said they were “beyond grateful“ for the generous support shown towards The Salvation Army from Noosa residents.
“The funds raised will go back into our local community in seeing hope given to families doing it tough during this financial crisis. Dick and Gillian, you are both Hope Givers and Hope Bringers,” he said.
Leigh McCready of Katie Rose Cottage Hospice said being part of the extraordinary event was memorable in so many ways.
“To be invited as a charity partner, see everyone turn out in such large numbers to support and then to witness the talent and teamwork to create A Journey into Time was very special. The funds raised will go towards the fit-out of our hospice extension to enable more people to experience the loving care that Noosa’s very own hospice provides,” she said.
