Young Wollongong musicians are steeling themselves to represent the city’s cultural diversity when they leave for Europe on Friday thanks to the support of BlueScope.
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The 30th anniversary of the BlueScope Youth Orchestra was celebrated at The Illawarra Connection on Tuesday when orchestra manager Tanya Phillips was called to the stage by her husband Geoff Phillips along with the Lord Mayor of Wollongong Gordon Bradbery.
The orchestra performed as guests arrived for the black-tie dinner. And Mr Phillips said the 30 years of consecutive support by BlueScope was the longest running cultural sponsorship in Australia apart from one at Sydney Opera House.
‘’The orchestra you heard as you came in is touring Europe from this Friday.They will be undertaking concerts in Hungary, Slovenia, Vienna and Italy where they will be taking part in the 26th International Music Meeting. This is the second time the orchestra has represented Australia at the event. It is by invitation only. They have been invited back again after playing there a few years ago,” he said.
All our students are very excited to be representing Wollongong
- BlueScope Youth Orchestra manager Tanya Phillips
Among the customs associated with the prestigious international gathering is that the Lord Mayor of the visiting city presents a gift to the Lord Mayor of the hosting city. Cr Bradbery gave Wollongong’s gift to Mrs Phillips at the Novotel on Tuesday for her to present in Italy. The 56 member touring party will leave from Glennifer Brae early on Friday.
Cr Bradbery said it was great to see how well the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music, youth orchestra and BlueScope had worked together for so long. BlueScope’s ongoing support meant it had attract the expertise of specialist teachers, created employment , brought a dynamic perspective to the conservatorium’s work and enriched the cultural fabric of Wollongong.
Cr Bradbery also acknowledged Mrs Phillips for her incredible contribution. “Over the years Tanya has worked hard in the interests of the orchestra to mobilise, to nurture and give up so much of her time. Tanya I have nothing but respect for what you have achieved,” he said.
Mrs Phillips thanked BlueScope and the community for supporting the youth orchestra over so many years. “All our students are very excited to be representing Wollongong,” she said.
