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Brisbane based writer Kevin Walsh is seeking help from the Clarence Valley community to track down photos of the Pisani Brothers String Orchestra. Frank Pisani (pictured) and his brothers lived and performed in Grafton and the surrounding areas for over a decade during the 1900’s. Image: contributed.

Community called upon for historical help

Emma Pritchard There isn’t much that Brisbane based writer Kevin Walsh doesn’t know about the Pisani Brothers String Orchestra. He knows the musical family had a strong connection with Grafton and the Northern Rivers region during the 1900’s. He also knows they performed at several local events and locations including the Grafton Military Ball, Grafton Spring Flower Show, the New School of Arts Neighbourhood House Inc (formally South Grafton New School of Arts), the Grafton Show and the Criterion Theatre. He also knows one of the members, Frank Pisani, served in the First World War and was sent to the Western Front and took his beloved harp overseas with him. But there is one thing he doesn’t know, not yet anyway. He doesn’t know where he can source photos of the Pisani Brothers String Orchestra performing in Grafton and the surrounding areas. After contacting the Clarence River Historical Society and Richmond River Historical Society, Mr Walsh’s search for photos to include in a book he is currently writing on the Pisani Brothers has so far proved unsuccessful. He is now asking Clarence Valley residents and local historians to contact him if they have or know of any photos he is currently seeking. “If anyone has any photos of the Pisani Brothers String Orchestra or photos of any local events where they were on stage, even in the background, I’d love to see them,” he revealed. “I’m very interested in knowing what photos people may have in their private collections or if someone knows an elderly relative who may have some pictures in an old photo album. “I would love to hear from you.” Mr Walsh said he expects his book, a historical novel, to be published “probably in another 12 months.” Anyone who has photos of the Pisani Brothers String Orchestra is welcome to contact Mr Walsh on 0407 407 994. “I’d appreciate any help from the locals,” he said.