I started my presenter apprenticeship with a most wonderful mentor, Yvonne Schwerdt, in early February 2026.  She had me talking on air within a couple of weeks, and I presented my first ‘solo’ Prelude in late March.  Since then I’ve presented mainly Preludes and Cantabiles.

I particularly enjoy listening to a wide range of classical composers and musical genres.  After many years’ membership of 5MBS, the invitation to join the presenter group was compelling.

On-line access to the station’s library of CDs, and the extraordinary flexibility offered by the program planning system, make the selection of music for any given program a huge pleasure.

 Favourite composers include JS Bach and Dmitri Shostakovich who have, for many years, appealed to me through the particular blend of beauty, spirituality, and the breadth of human experience reflected in their music.

This is, of course, not in any way to discount other composers !  My list of composers and works to visit and learn about, from the 12^th to the 21^st centuries, grows from week to week.

Prior to joining 5MBS, my wife, Inara, and I volunteered for many years with a conservation organisation, Nature Foundation.  We were part of a team of, mainly, couples who would go and manage two of its remote nature reserves for several weeks during the year.  Like 5MBS presenting, it was a significant and enriching commitment of time and energy, and we enjoyed it immensely.

I’m finding that presenting programs through 5MBS is like being lifted up 10,000 feet above the modest paddock of musical knowledge which I brought to the role.  From there, I can survey and appreciate the vast soundscape of classical music, much of whose depth and breadth were largely unfamiliar to me.  It’s a most joyous experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.