The cello that wouldn't play Bach

<p>A thousand hearts stopped beating. The orchestra grinds to a halt. A furtive glance and with a shake of the head to the conductor the cello soloist  walks off the stage.</p><p>A young woman looks at her father What is happening dad?</p><p>All will be well Georgia he turns to answer it's just a broken string.</p><p>And so begins our story.  Played out not under the bright lights of the Hong Kong stage but in a modest life in South Melbourne where a young if reluctant gifted musician rises above the impact of her father's business and family collapse.</p><p>Bonds are formed between  an old luthier; a failed concert cellist now turned teacher to the girl the girl and an unwanted  cello which steadfastly refuses to play works by the old masters notably J. S.  Bach.</p><p>Joining a local orchestra her section leader sees within her a great potential. She premiers the work of a young composer to wide acclaim only to see her career hopes dashed in a disastrous national radio interview when she refuses to play Bach.</p><p>When her teacher does not turn up for a lesson her insensitivity at his no show is severely chastened by the pawnshop owner who knows more of the story. </p><p>His friends rally; the cancer now in remission his teaching lifts her playing to where now they consider a career as a professional cellist. His plan is to subtly modify the timing of the Bach second suite she has to play he hopes by breaking accepted norms she will startle the judges into favourably considering her application.</p><p>Days before the university entrance performance her teacher's illness returns and he's rushed to hospital where the prognosis is poor.</p><p>The hospital informs the luthier of his old protege's death on the day of the recital he cannot risk her knowing and remains silent in his grief.</p><p>During the performance Georgia looks into the old man's tear filled eyes and knows David has died. In an act of love and faith she attempts the Bach on her dead teacher's instrument.</p><p>Horrified her father sees her walk onto the stage with the cello but it is too late she sits and plays.<br> </p>