Jeanne made everyone welcome with her characteristic charm; her introduction to the evening offered insights and a laugh.

The evening’s guest of honour Bruce Beresford took the floor in conversation with Terry Lane. Bruce offered his insights on a range of subjects, from neglected masterpieces—“Yes, there are such things and the stories behind them are frequently complicated”—to his love of music and direction of a young Elizabeth Hurley in the movie Aria to the music of Korngold—to the enormous success of his film Mao’s Last Dancer and the aversion in Australian movies to happy endings—to his enjoyment in directing opera, in particular André Previn’s wonderful but challenging Streetcar Named Desire for Opera Australia.

Dazzling instrumental virtuosity was represented by Paul Dean with his ebullient performance of the finale to Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto.

Who with a soul could remain unmoved by the performance of Suzanne Johnston, as she stood arms outstretched, (emotionally) eviscerated, singing the lines So taunt me and hurt me, Deceive me, desert me, I'm yours 'til I die, So in love, So in love, So in love with you, am I from Cole Porter’s Kiss Me, Kate.