Damien Beaumont is leaving the ABC and his role as evening presenter on ABC Classic after 25 years with the broadcaster. He joined the ABC as a marketing manager, establishing the very popular Classic 100, later moving to on air overnight.

Janine Marshman sat down with Damien to discuss his career and memories (including his favourite Classic 100) which you can read here. He’s retiring to spend more time working on his garden in the Blue Mountains, doing bush regeneration and helping to re-establish threatened bird species in the area.

When asked by Janine of the piece of music that summed up his time at ABC Classic, Damien said:

“Suave sia il vento — May the wind be gentle. That beautiful trio from Mozart‘s Così fan tutte.

I have to fill my life with optimism. I think there’s no sense in thinking anything else than being optimistic. Looking forward.

May the wind be gentle. May you always have the wind at your back.”