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House of Assembly - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2015-09-23 Daily Xml
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Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

Mr HUGHES (Giles) (14:45): Thank you, Mr Speaker, and I sincerely hope you will be wearing black and white next year. My question is to the Minister for the Arts. Minister, how has the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra been expanding their program and artistic team to attract new audiences?

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Health Industries) (14:46): It is appropriate the member for Giles should ask me this question, because he has an enormous attachment to the arts and I congratulate him for it.

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis: More than Kevin Foley?

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: He is not quite there with Kevin Foley, but he has an enormous, unswerving devotion to the cultural life of our state. The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra plays a vital role in contributing to our city's rich, vibrant culture. Their 2015 program has been incredibly diverse, not only performing a traditional classical repertoire but seeking out new audiences in contemporary performance, such as the Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular and Danny Elfman's Music from the Films of Tim Burton.

The ASO is currently touring the regions with the Mozart to Rodrigo concert series. I understand around 40 musicians are currently en route to Whyalla, having spent their weekend in the state's South-East. Aside from the concerts, the ASO are engaging with the local music students, running their Tigers and Teapots program as well as holding brass, woodwind and guitar workshops. While the ASO was in Mount Gambier, they had a joint rehearsal and performed their concert with members from the Limestone Coast Symphony Orchestra. I know the member for Mount Gambier was there and thoroughly enjoyed the concert.

The Limestone Coast Symphony Orchestra is a 70-piece local orchestra comprising of musicians from all walks of life, from music students and teachers to retired professional musos and talented amateurs. It is a credit to general manager Jennie Matthews and Hamilton-based conductor Angus Christie that this incredible organisation not only exists but thrives in the local community. The experience that members of the orchestra would have gained from being able to rehearse and perform alongside one of the best orchestras in the country is invaluable and has formed a very fruitful connection between the two organisations.

I would like to wish the ASO all the best for their concert at Middleback Arts Centre tonight, and I understand there are still tickets available, so if the member for Giles could make sure that his family and friends go along. In 2016, the ASO is also welcoming a new artistic team, with:

the brains behind the unforgettable 1998 Ring Cycle, Jeffrey Tate, returning as principal guest conductor and artistic adviser;

New York-based music royalty, Pinchas Zukerman, as Artist-in-Associate; and

Nicholas Carter taking up the reins as principal conductor.

At 29 years of age, Nicholas will not only be one of the youngest conductors to lead one of our country's major orchestras, he is also the first Australian to be appointed to such a post in 26 years.

Many thanks to Vincent Ciccarello, the hardworking team, and obviously the musicians at the ASO for all they do contributing to the cultural vibrancy of our state. The ASO's 2016 program will be officially launched on 6 October. I can't wait to see what this incredible Adelaide institution have in store for what will be their 80th year.

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