Goulburn Concerto a finalist in APRA/AMCOS Award

The Goulburn Concerto was composed to bring together beginner string players and professional musicians as equal musical participants on a world class concert stage. This unique approach forged new directions in music education in Australia.

This collaboration between The Goulburn Regional Conservatorium (GRC), The Canberra Symphony Orchestra (CSO), composer Sean O’Boyle AM, music educator and researcher Dr Anita Collins (University of Canberra) and violin soloist Ms. Kirsten Williams (Sydney Symphony Orchestra Associate Concert Master) has changed the lives of young students from Goulburn Public School.

Once composed, the children from Goulburn Public School involved in the Goulburn Strings Project worked on the development of the music for several months led by GRC staff Debra McConnell and SSO Associate Concert Master, Kirsten Williams in the lead up to the performance.

Ms Williams also performed as soloist in The Goulburn Concerto. The educational structure around the development of the Concerto was compiled by Dr. Anita Collins (UC) and Keva Abotomey (GRC). At the performance, the work was conducted by Dr. Anita Collins and the educational component was delivered by Keva Abotomey to an audience of more than 1000 students from across the region at the ACTEWAGL Meet the Music Concert. It premiered on April 5, 2016 in Llewellyn Hall, Canberra to great acclaim. 

This work was co-commissioned by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and Moravian College (USA). 

Goulburn Regional Conservatorium (GRC) CEO Paul Scott-Williams said it was wonderful to be recognised. 

“The GRC has now established a reputation as a commissioning institution, seeking to break new ground and create new Australian works across a range of contexts,” Mr Scott-Williams said. 

“It is wonderful to be recognised in this way for the quality and innovative music education programs we deliver into Department of Education schools.”

Composer ​Sean O’Boyle AM acknowledged the enthusiasm of all involved. 

“Seeing it come to life with the boundless enthusiasm of all at the CSO and GRC was a profound experience,” Mr O’Boyle said. 

Goulburn Regional Conservatorium Board president Ursula Stephens said the awards are among the highest music accolades in Australia.

Relieving Goulburn Public School Principal Sharyn Cox said the confidence she saw in the students who attended the music lessons was amazing.

“The determination I see on the students’ faces is rewarding as I know how much effort they put into learning how to play an instrument. I have also been able to share in their joy when they realise that they are able to master a song that they have been learning to play,” she said. 

“Students have an opportunity to participate in violin lessons that they may never have had, if this partnership with the Goulburn Regional Conservatorium wasn’t available to them. Goulburn Public School are proud to be part of the in-schools music program. This music program is changing lives.”

The APRA / AMCOS Art Music Awards are held annually and recognise the highest level of achievement across Australia in all genres of Australian classical music, new music, performance, education and cultural innovation. The 2017 Awards will be held at the City Recital Hall in Sydney on August 22.