HIGH-LEVEL ROUNDTABLE TO SEEK WAY FORWARD FOR SCHOOL OF MUSIC, SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The ACT Government will convene a high-level roundtable to explore declining enrolments at the ANU School of Music and what might be done to minimise community impacts, including impacts on the viability of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra.

Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said today he was concerned that mooted changes to the structure of the school, including the possible abandonment of the orchestral model, could have ramifications for musical practice and infrastructure in the national capital — and potentially serious implications for the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, which draws significantly on School of Music staff and students to make up its ranks.

Mr Stanhope said he was proposing an independently-moderated roundtable of interested parties, including representatives from the ANU and the orchestra, the broader music community, and those involved in the School of Music’s community outreach program, which is funded by the ACT Government.

The Chief Minister said he hoped the ANU would be able to bring to the roundtable historical financial and enrolment data, so those seeking a way forward could see how the situation at the School had changed over time.

“I believe this detail is essential if we are to have a properly informed conversation about a creative way forward for the school, that will minimise any adverse impacts on the Canberra music scene,” Mr Stanhope said.

“The School of Music is an important — indeed a critical — player in the Canberra music scene, not just in its educational capacity, but as home to some of our finest musical practitioners.

“It is essential that as a community we understand the implications of any proposed changes to the role or function of the School, and understand what the long-term ramifications might be for the practice of music more generally in the national capital.

“I am particularly concerned at the potential impact on our city’s symphony orchestra, which over the years has developed such close links with the School.”

Mr Stanhope said he hoped the roundtable could be convened as soon as possible.