A - | A | A+

Music in War and Peace

Joan Wanstall
Music in War and Peace


I was born during the Second World War.

My father was a soldier and served in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. As a child I marched with him in the Anzac Day March. During all of my life music has been there to remember and celebrate my Spanish, English, German and Irish heritage, and to be part of the rich multi-cultural life of Melbourne. Our family also comprises Dutch, Greek and Italian members, and our friends are Brazilian, Iranian, African, Maltese and Japanese .

Always there is music.

Now I am singing “Music in War and Peace” at Deakin Edge with the Victoria Chorale to remember the 100th Anniversary of the First World War. This is the second time I have sung at this wonderful venue: the first time the Victoria Chorale sang a modern Italian Mass. This musical variety reflects both the life of Melbourne and my own life.

Indeed, music in war and peace.

Photo courtesy of Musical Director, Dr. Mario Dobernig.