James Morrison Set to Play Chatswood's Concert Hall Tonight, 11/3

James Morrison, Australia's world-renowned virtuoso jazz musician, has generously agreed to perform with The Metropolitan Orchestra under the artistic directorship of Sarah Grace-Williams at a charity concert at the brand new state-of-the-art Concert Hall at the Concourse, Chatswood today, November 3, with all proceeds going to the Pain Management Research Institute – a joint initiative of the University of Sydney and Royal North Shore Hospital.

Multi-instrumentalist, James Morrison plays not only the trumpet, but also the trombone, euphonium, flugel horn, tuba, saxophone, double bass and piano. He was given his first instrument aged 7, and by 13 was playing professionally in nightclubs. Now 49, James Morrison's career highlights include touring with jazz legends Ray Charles and B.B. King, recording with Dizzy Gillespie, composing and performing the opening fanfare for the Sydney Olympics and such diverse engagements as recording with The London Symphony Orchestra, performing at the Royal Albert Hall with the London Philharmonic Orchestra plus Royal Command performances for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and US Presidents Bush & Clinton at Parliament House in Australia. James spends much time in education holding master classes and workshops all around the world.

James received a Medal in the Order of Australia for his services to music, and this year was appointed Artistic Director of the Queensland Music Festival. When asked "What is there left to do?" The typically 'James' reply is "This is just the warm up!"

Established in 1990, PMRI conducts a number of major research programs into the mechanisms and treatment of severe persistent pain. The director of PMRI, Professor Michael Cousins has pioneered this field for over 30 years, and he works in close collaboration with the Pain Management & Research Centre, treating patients with acute pain, cancer pain and chronic, non cancer pain. The statistics are startling: an estimated 1 in 5 Australians suffer persistent pain – (pain that continues for more than 3 months) and thousands of Australians wake up daily to chronic debilitating pain, locking them into a cycle of pills, depression and bed rest.

All proceeds from this concert will go towards much needed research in this field.

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