The AMEB Federal Office is fortunate to have six of Di's artworks hanging on its walls. We, the AMEB staff, feel privileged to be surrounded by world-class art that reflects Di's passions for both the visual arts and music.
As Gerard Vaughan AM, former director of both the National Gallery of Victoria and the National Gallery of Australia, said at a recent exhibition of Di's work, "The relationship between music and painting, and especially music and colour, has defined absolutely, the kind of artist Di has become."
— Gerard Vaughan AM
Di's association with AMEB began when she became an examiner for AMEB Victoria. As a key performer and pedagogue in Melbourne, she has been a well-respected member of the examining panel for many years. Di completed a Music Degree at the University of Melbourne and subsequently obtained a Doctorate of Philosophy in Music and Psychology undertaken with a Post Graduate Research Scholarship. In the 1980s, her research achieved international recognition, culminating in an invitation to visit the USSR by Dimitri Kabalevsky. Di has also represented Australia as a pedagogical researcher on the International Commission for International Music Education Research, and her music research has been published internationally. Other positions have included Board Member and CEO of Yamaha Music Foundation Australia, Board Member of Rose Music Pty Ltd and Board Member of Australian Festival of Chamber Music.
Di has had significant art exhibitions in London and Paris; her works can be seen across the US, Italy, Europe, France, Japan and China. One of her paintings is proudly displayed in the office of the Australian Ambassador to the UK in London. The Former Ambassador, The Honourable Alexander Downer AC (former Leader of the Liberal Party of Australia), wrote to express his thanks to Di and commented that her work is "a fine example of Australian visual art and a wonderful representation of the white light of the Australian bush." There is a showing of Di's work planned for 2022 at the Royal Overseas League in St James Place, London.
In 2003 Di was selected as Woman Achiever of the Year by the Australian Brain Foundation. Di is a life member of the Melba Trust Foundation, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Music Teachers, a Fellow and a Life Governor of University College, Melbourne, an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Music Teachers, a Governor of the Florey and Mental Health Research Institute and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Di was awarded a Merit in the Order of Australia Honours List New Year 2013 with the citation 'for contributions to music, the visual arts and the community'.
"Having Summer Rhythms on my office wall brings light, colour and a musical element that is so appropriate for AMEB. I'm very grateful to Di for allowing us to exhibit some of her paintings. It is a generous gesture, and we are happy to celebrate her artistry in this way."
— Bernard Depasquale, AMEB CEO
As a working artist in both the visual art and music worlds, Di is passionate about instilling this love and talent in others. In 1988 she founded the Youth Music Foundation Inc, which aims to facilitate opportunities for young Australian musicians to perform and study overseas. Di's most recent open studio exhibition, Rhythms of Light, from March to April 2019 featured guest speakers Julie Cotter, Mem Kirby OAM and a special art and music lecture by Gerard Vaughan AM. View a video of Gerard Vaughan speaking at the launch of Di's book 'Compositions In Colour' here.
Di also has a gorgeous book Di Bresciani: Compositions in Colour, that showcases her artwork and features four full essays by the artist as well as a preface from internationally acclaimed pianist Piers Lane AO.
"Di's profound understanding of music and art give her an unerring and intuitive sense of judgement."
— Piers Lane AO
To find out more about Di Bresciani and her artwork please visit dibresciani.com.
Di Bresciani artwork currently on display at the AMEB Federal Office:
- The Other Side 3, Oil on Fine Linen, 127cm x 86cm
- Pink Haze 3, Oil on Fine Linen, 129cm x 86cm
- Summer Wind, Oil on Fine Linen, 86cm x 129cm
- City Haze, Oil on canvas, 140cm x 190cm
- Summer Rhythms, Oil on Fine Linen, 120cm x 120cm
- The Voice Beyond 2, Oil on Fine Linen, 120cm x 120cm
