Who is Simon Tedeschi?
A man, husband, reader and coffee addict, writer and musician, cat-lover and un-shy introvert.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Start writing books much earlier. Read more books. Be kinder to the younger version of myself. Learn Latin. Invest in Superannuation (I have none).
Who inspires you and why?
Nietzsche for his fearlessness and vision; W.G. Sebald for his honesty; Paul Celan for his willingness to stare into the face of the abyss; my wife for her compassion and patience; my parents for parenting me; my siblings for being much more well-rounded than I could ever be; Obama for his politics; Zelensky for his courage; Larry David for saying what everyone thinks.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Ban social media, especially Twitter. Support initiatives for women’s education in the developing world – because then everyone benefits.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Japan – the Japanese don’t just have interests, they have obsessions – and as such, the art there is beyond compare.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I probably wouldn’t – instead we would go to Maeda Cafe in Newtown and engage in conversation for no more than an hour.
What are you currently reading?
Reflections by Walter Benjamin.
What are you currently listening to?
Music: Bruckner. Podcast: Live and Crimes with Andrew Rule.
Happiness is?
Being in a great restaurant without music.
What does the future hold for you?
A lot of performing – I’m looking forward to playing Gershwin at the Toorak Synagogue; a new book (hopefully); an overseas trip for my wife’s exhibition in London in November; and hopefully lifting heavier at the gym (not a joke)
Simon will present Gershwin and Me at the Toorak Synagogue, South Yarra, on Tuesday 1 August 2023. For more information, visit: www.simontedeschi.com for details.
Image: Simon Tedeschi (supplied)