Australian Story: Aug 3

This week’s Australian Story concludes the story of cricketing legend Sir Donald Bradman and his family.

This episode is introduced by Caroline Jones.

“The public reaction to my grandfather’s death was unbelievable. It was touching and moving and at the same time a little bit surreal.” – Tom Bradman, grandson

“I would drink salt water on an empty stomach to be sick so as to try and actually burn my vocal chords… Then an opportunity came up and I was forced to choose between psychology and music and I chose music.” – Greta Bradman

“She had the opportunity to sing for Richard Bonynge and Richard in an operatic world is… a living legend as conductor.” – Didier Elzinga, husband

“I was astonished when I heard her. And I don’t get astonished by singers very often anymore. I’ve heard too many of the great ones over the years.” – Richard Bonynge, conductor

The intensity of Sir Donald Bradman’s worldwide fame as a cricketer cast a shadow across the generations that followed him.

Now, his talented granddaughter Greta Bradman is on the threshold of international recognition in her own right, as she builds a career as a soprano and protégé of conductor Richard Bonynge.

In this episode, we follow her decision to chase the opportunity of a lifetime and hear of the family’s continued concerns in relation to Sir Donald Bradman’s legacy and the use of his name.

“As time went by my family and I became increasingly concerned about the way in which my grandpa’s name was being use,” – Greta Bradman.

“There were so many times when I just wished my father would come back to life because in a sentence he could have fixed it.” – John Bradman

Monday 8pm ABC.