Address at the
Sydney Symphony 2005 Season Launch
Sydney Town Hall
Thursday, 26 August 2004
Good afternoon.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore [Lord Mayor, Sydney], Roger Wilkins [Director General, NSW Ministry for the Arts], David Moloney (Chair), SSO, sponsors, ladies and gentlemen.
I am delighted to be here today at the launch of the 2005 season of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
From the outset, I think it is important to thank the City of Sydney-especially Lord Mayor Clover Moore-for supporting and hosting today's launch.
The link between the City, its people and the Orchestra is where the 'Symphony Family' begins.
But the Sydney Symphony's contribution to our musical life extends well beyond the people of Sydney.
The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is regarded as one of the top orchestras in the world and you will know from what I am about to say that this is a well deserved reputation.
As the new Minister I get some bragging rights and I hope you will forgive me because I am so proud of what the orchestra has achieved.
Part of the orchestra's success is its extensive repertoire.
Arthur Honegger the famous Swiss composer, once said "The public doesn't want new music; the main thing that it demands of a composer is that he be dead."
Fortunately, the Sydney Symphony is doing its best to prove Honegger wrong by playing the works of composers from both at home and abroad-those who are still composing, and those whose works have become classics.
Indeed, the Orchestra is an important voice for music in Australia.
Each year, more than 150 concerts are performed as part of the main-stage program, and on top of these performances, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra conducts regional, national and international tours.
Education
Also, the Orchestra presents an extensive education program, so that young Australians of all age groups get a chance to hear a world class symphony orchestra.
In 1996, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra established the Sydney Sinfonia mentoring orchestra.
This program allows tertiary students to gain practical orchestra experience, while being supported and guided by senior musicians.
These programs reach more than 20,000 school children each year and keep orchestral music resounding in school halls and classrooms across Australia.
Who knows, perhaps these programs and performances will inspire a whole new breed of young talent to take the stage, as well as a whole new audience for orchestral music.
And it would be little surprise, given the success of these programs.
At the 2004 APRA [Australasian Performing Rights Association] and Australian Music Centre Classical Music Awards, the Sydney Symphony Education Program took out the "Most Distinguished Contribution to the Advancement of Australian Music in Education".
The Sydney Symphony also took out prizes in the 2004 Helpmann Awards, this time for Best Classical Concert Presentation and Best Performance in a Classical Concert.
Clearly, the orchestra deserves its world class reputation.
And the Australian Government is proud to support the Sydney Symphony.
In 2004, the Government, through the Australia Council, is providing $8.6 million to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
In May this year, the Government announced a review of Australia's symphonies and pit orchestras.
The Orchestras Review 2004 is examining operational, marketplace and governance issues, as well as providing an opportunity for orchestras and governments to work together to improve the long-term sustainability of the sector.
I am aware of the challenges and the pressures of continuing to deliver first class orchestral services in Australia.
We are committed to the future of orchestral music in Australia.
Although I am new to the portfolio, I am not new to the Sydney Symphony.
I have enjoyed being a member of the "Symphony family" for many years and I am very excited to see what the SSO's 2005 season will offer.
I am delighted that responsibility for the Arts now falls within my portfolio. I look forward to seizing the opportunities to realise the vision we have for the SSO for the 2005 season and beyond.
Thank you.