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Applications are now open for the 2025 Louise Crossley Conductor Training Program

20 January 2025.

The TSO-led program provides a chance for emerging conductors who identify as female and non-binary to practice and refine their skills.

Participants learn from a professional female conductor and gain hands-on experience.

Last year’s program was a resounding success, with seven participants from across Australia and the UK and US selected through an online application process.

In August, the emerging conductors took part in the weekend-long program, which included the chance to take to the podium to direct TSO musicians.

The host of last year’s program, Stockholm-based Australian conductor Jessica Cottis, describes the initiative as helping to ‘advocate both for access and balance within the classical music industry’.

This year’s program, scheduled to run April 12 and 13, will be led by conductor Ingrid Martin, who has worked with the MSO, QSO and TSO as well as New Zealand’s orchestras as NZ assistant conductor-in-residence. Ingrid is also a sought after coach, with over 15 years' experience mentoring conductors.

"Conductors are the conduit through which audiences and musicians connect with music, it's essential for classical music to keep thriving and evolving," Ingrid told TSO.

The program is free for successful applicants thanks to a generous bequest from the late Dr Louise Crossley; a TSO lover who took immense pride in ensuring representation and diversity on the conductor's podium.

Ingrid Martin will now carry on Dr Crossley's passion, helping nurture our future musical leader.

"I'm thrilled to work with the participants of the Louise Crossley Conductor Training Program, helping them develop their skills and artistic voices to bring back to their communities and ensembles," she says.

Applications for the Louise Crossley Conductor Training Program are open now and close 28 Feb 2025.

Find out how a gift in your will can have a lasting impact on generations to come.

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What to expect at a TSO concert

6 January 2024. Written by Stephanie Eslake.

Are you new to the orchestra?

Listening to music at home can stir your emotions but nothing beats the thrill of a live orchestral experience, when your breathing, heart beat and even your goosebumps fall into sync with those around you.

The best part is that you don’t need to worry about wearing a formal outfit or breaking any ‘rules’. Read on to discover why the TSO should be on your must-do list.

What will I experience at a TSO concert?

‘To hear a symphony orchestra live – and to be in the room with the musicians making the music – is not an experience that can be replicated in any other way,’ William Newbery says.

As a musician in the TSO's viola section and the host of the orchestra's 6pm Series, Will would know. When he plays, he is surrounded by luscious string instruments that soar with romantic melodies, and power through rip-roaring symphonies.

Each TSO concert is planned for the pleasure of the audience, from compact and thrilling one-hour performances to the magnificent Federation Concert Hall series. You’ll hear inspiring new Australian music alongside famous works by the greatest composers of all time.

Will says that if there’s one thing you shouldn’t expect, it is a stuffy concert experience. There is nothing pompous or high brow about the orchestra, he says.

‘We're all members of the Tasmanian community, just like anybody else, and we’re here to perform music that exists because composers wanted people to listen to it and enjoy it,’ Will says.

What should I know about clapping?

Classical music pieces are often divided into distinct sections called movements. Each movement can sound so thrilling that after it’s finished and the musicians pause, you may want to leap out of your seat and give our musicians a standing ovation.

But those around you will often remain silent. Why aren’t they clapping?

It has nothing to do with enjoyment, and everything to do with tradition. Some famous composers, such as Mendelssohn, Mahler, and Schumann, thought their music should flow without any distractions. But we’ve reached the 21^st Century – and you can break tradition if you’re inspired to make some noise.

If you’re still feeling self-conscious about clapping between movements, why not think about what the musicians would like to hear?

‘No one should be embarrassed about enjoying something enough to clap for it,’ Will says.

It’s a view shared by the TSO's Chief Conductor and Artistic Director Eivind Aadland.

As Eivind says, ‘if you applaud in the “wrong place” between movements, it's not wrong – I love it when people do that’.

‘So don’t worry. Come and enjoy our music,’ Eivind adds.

And remember, when Will and his TSO colleagues play a gripping symphony from Beethoven or Tchaikovsky, they might even expect you to put your hands together.

‘Of course the audience is going to clap – as if you wouldn’t!’ Will says.

Do I need to dress up?

TSO musicians prioritise comfort. A few years ago, they retired the old white tie and tails, and said goodbye to the cummerbund, a centuries-old accessory. Sometimes, the musicians love nothing more than putting on a silly outfit to match a concert theme and they absolutely love it when audience members join in the fun.

Mostly, the musicians like to feel confident and relaxed. That’s exactly how you should feel, too.

You’re welcome to dress up to the nines, but you're not expected to. Smart casual is a good place to start. You wouldn’t look out of place in a pair of jeans if that’s what you’ll feel great in.

‘The music’s going to sound the same no matter what you’re wearing. So just wear something that makes you happy,’ Will says.

Can I take photos?

The best way to enjoy a TSO concert is to be fully present. You’re here to witness something extraordinary that exists in the moment. So, switch your phone to silent, and immerse yourself in each once-in-a-lifetime performance experience.

There will be time to capture your memories before and after the concerts. Feel free to take a snapshot before the music begins, or when the performers take their final bow. Just remember to turn off the flash.

You can tag us @tasmaniansymphonyorchestra and #TasmanianSymphonyOrchestra if you’re sharing your memories.

How early should I arrive?

It's recommended that you arrive 30 minutes before the concert.

If you’re running late, don’t panic. The TSO's friendly box office staff will be there to usher you into the hall.

In Federation Concert Hall, the Atrium Bar is open for drinks before the concert, so you could settle in for a chat before the bell rings to signal that it’s time to find your seat. There’ll also be drinks in the foyer where you might spot a familiar face in the crowd. This is Tasmania, after all.

You can find further details here to help you plan your visit including accessibility arrangements for drop-off, entry, and seating that’s right for you.

Our Obscura series is held at Hobart’s Odeon Theatre, where the bar staff make a pre-concert cocktail to match the theme of each event. Doors open at 5pm, so there’s plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere before the show starts at 6pm.

Will the kids have fun?

Musicians and staff of the TSO love seeing children encounter the magical sounds of the orchestra. They've even designed a range of concerts for the little ones.

Family Concerts are tailor-made for youngsters, while Relaxed Concerts are ideal for kids with sensory needs: a small group of friendly musicians will introduce the music and instruments in a welcoming environment.

Federation Concert Hall events are an exciting option for those aged 12 and older. These concerts tend to conclude between 9:30pm-10pm.

There are plenty of options for those with an earlier bedtime. The 6pm Series concerts feature an hour of epic music, hosted by the one and only Will Newbery as MC.

Plan your Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra experience by visiting our concerts page.

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Sharing the joy of music with school children across Tasmania

11 December 2024.

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra is excited to launch its TSO for Schools program for 2025. Throughout next year, our musicians will once again be hitting the road to visit schools and communities across the state.

In 2024, the TSO has reached a record number of school children. By the end of this week, more than 12,000 Tasmanian students will have attended a TSO performance in a school, concert hall or community venue.

Our musicians have performed for school children from Burnie to Strahan, St Helens to Triabunna.

‘We are well on our way to achieving our vision that by 2030 every Tasmanian child will experience their orchestra by grade 3,’ says TSO chief executive Caroline Sharpen.

TSO for Schools is generously supported by the TSO Business Collective – a diverse network of Tasmanian professionals who are passionate about providing children across the state with access to music education.

In 2025, Variety Tasmania will sponsor TSO events across Tasmania’s North West, making them free for schools in the region.

In the South, free events will include multi-school concerts for younger students and an emerging composers’ concert for those in secondary school.

Later in the year, there will be festive Halloween and Christmas-themed concerts in the TSO Studio in Hobart.

Additional TSO for Schools activities include exciting training for music teachers and our popular Science and Sound sessions, which explore how music is made and align to the primary school science curriculum.

For secondary students, open rehearsals are a great opportunity to see and hear how the conductor and the musicians work together to prepare for a performance.

Find out more about the TSO for Schools program here.

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Business Collective getting to work to make an impact

11 December 2024

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra is set to reach a record number of school children in 2024, thanks to the support of our Business Collective.

By the end of the year, more than 10,000 Tasmanian school children will have attended a TSO performance in a school, concert hall or community venue.

Our Business Collective was created to bring Tasmanian enterprises together to help us achieve our vision that by 2030 every Tasmanian child will experience their orchestra by grade 3.

Thanks to the incredible support of this diverse and vibrant network of passionate Tasmanians, we are well on our way to achieving and even surpassing that goal.

Through their generous support, collective members support at least 500 Tasmanian students to attend a TSO concert for free.

TSO Learning & Community Projects Manager, Jack Machin with students from Perth Primary School

‘This year we’ve worked with and performed for students from schools as far afield as Burnie, Strahan, St Helens and Bruny Island,’ TSO Development Manager Cath Adams says.

‘One of my favourite moments was after a school concert at George Town when I asked a young student what he thought of the TSO performance in his school. “I’d pay a million bucks to see that again!” was his enthusiastic response. It was beautiful,’ she says.

The feedback from teachers has also been wonderful.

‘It was a fantastic concert and we were so grateful that it could be provided free. Many schools have tight music budgets. The program was varied and engaging,’ one teacher said.

Another wrote: ‘For many students it was their first experience of attending a concert. It was a wonderful experience’.

And another said: ‘What TSO does for education in Tas (and for free, wow!) is so valuable to grow musical young people.’

As Cath says, we know that experiencing live music contributes to cultural equity, which is why we’re committed to giving all students the opportunity to discover the magic of music.

‘We are so grateful for all of our Business Collective members who share our passion for bringing music to as many school children as possible,’ Cath says.

Business Collective members come together at various times throughout the year, including for networking events and panel discussions and they receive a range of benefits through partnering with TSO.

‘It’s been exciting seeing our Business Collective members build connections with the TSO and each other over the past year. I cannot wait to see what we achieve in 2025. Together, we’re absolutely unstoppable,’ Cath says.

We recently welcomed six new Business Collective members – Hobart’s Fellini Restaurant, The Public Trustee Tasmania, Servcorp, Shadforth, Smitten Merino and St. Lukes.

If you would like to learn more about the TSO Business Collective and how your organisation can be involved, please find out more here.

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Orchestras inspiring leaders for better ways of working

11 December 2024

Former AFL star Jack Riewoldt is on a mission to create better workplaces and he’s found a source of inspiration in the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.

The former Richmond Vice-Captain and three-time premiership player joined TSO Concertmaster Emma McGrath at a recent panel event exploring team leadership in arts and sport.

Jack, who is the co-founder of Authentic Leaders Group, says he often uses orchestras as an example of how leaders can create connection and belonging in the workplace.

‘I look at orchestras as a fantastic example for business, because constantly we’re hearing, more than anything, that people are working in silos,’ Jack says.

‘People don't want to share information because they're competing with others inside their own business. In an orchestra, you can’t compete against each other because if you do, it won't sound any good. I love that metaphor of being like an orchestra where you play at a level which allows the next person in the next chair to play at their best level, so that the sound you make is the best sound for everyone.’

Authentic Leaders Group Founder, Jack Riewoldt, TSO Concertmaster, Emma McGrath and TSO CEO, Caroline Sharpen in conversation.

The event was the latest networking opportunity for the TSO Business Collective, which are a diverse mix of businesses who help to fund our schools programs and concerts across Tasmania.

Audience members loved hearing anecdotes from Jack and Emma’s respective experiences, including Jack’s insights into the coaching techniques that cut through to him and his fellow players at crucial times (‘good leaders are storytellers who can take you on a journey,’ he says).

Emma similarly gave candid insights into her role as Concertmaster and the work of the TSO over the past five years to instill the company’s values of connection, artistry and integrity into the workplace.

She credited the orchestra’s CEO Caroline Sharpen for leading by example to create a workplace in which every person’s voice is heard and valued.

‘Focusing on connection for the orchestra has had a massive impact. It's revolutionised how we feel about the workplace. I love working here and I know others do too,’ Emma says.

‘Before, we might have been a little bit more like 47 wonderful individuals playing on a stage, but now we're like one organism. What matters is not that we’re a bunch of high performing soloists, it’s that we're on stage doing it together,’ she says.

‘Some of us are relatively green, some of us have been doing it for 45 years, but when it comes together and we actually listen to one another, respect one another, and all of the differences and nuances in between, then it's magic. Magic sounds a little bit cheesy, but I like it because there's nothing like it – it's incredible.’

Both Jack and Emma spoke of the pitfalls of businesses using the term ‘high performance’, preferring instead to use ‘best performance’.

‘I struggle with the word high performance because who decides who is a high performer? It involves an element of opinion. And sometimes it turns people away from even having a crack,’ Jack says.

‘I love the term “best performance” because every single person in this room, every single person on this island, every single person on the planet is capable of turning up and giving their best at every and any time,’ he says.

Interested in joining the TSO Business Collective? Learn more.

Authentic Leaders Group Founder, Jack Riewoldt, TSO Concertmaster, Emma McGrath and Blundstone Co-CEO and TSO Partner, Adam Blake.

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Partner Highlight: Servcorp

Interview with Bethany Papps by Susie Harrison.
5 November 2024.

TSO are excited to announce Servcorp Hobart have joined us as one of our newest members of the Business Collective. A global company, Servcorp has over 160 + Global locations with 26 across Australia and New Zealand, providing premium workspace to businesses of all shapes and sizes.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Bethany Papps, Manager of the Servcorp Hobart office, to give us some insight into Servcorp and their new partnership with TSO.

Manager Servcorp Hobart, Bethany Papps.

Thank you for joining us Bethany. Could you tell us a little about how Servcorp serves our business community and what your role is all about?

My role as Manager of our Hobart office is all about channeling my passion for connecting people to deliver tailored solutions which meets their specific needs and goals. I leverage this with my expertise in new business development, social networking and administration to drive growth and revenue in today’s market.

We foster community development and collaboration with Servcorp and among other business owners and professionals to ensure they can thrive in a dynamic and supportive working environment.

Some of our readers may be unaware that TSO called Servcorp home for a number of months earlier this year as our office space was under refurbishment. We were fortunate to make use of the gorgeous office space, communal areas, and the beloved coffee machine (which we all miss!). I’m aware though that the bricks and mortar office space is only one component of your service offerings. What else do you offer businesses?

We loved having the TSO call Servcorp home whilst your new office space was under works. Not only do we provide a premium 5-star office with access to communal areas, but we also offer ad-hoc access to meeting rooms, use of our address or a dedicated receptionist to answer your calls in company name with secretary support.

TSO and Servcorp are both strong values-based businesses and I noticed we share integrity as one of our core values. What are some the ways the team at Servcorp enact this?

We emphasize integrity through our commitment to transparency, ethical business practice and forming strong relationships and partnerships with our clients. Whilst we focus on delivery of high-quality service, we ensure we are always honest and open with our offerings and pricing. We always foster a culture of accountability and respect and aim to build trust with our clients.

What was it that drew Servcorp to join the Business Collective and what are you and the team excited to achieve through this partnership?

What really drew Servcorp to TSO was the cultural engagement and exclusive experiences the TSO have to offer Tasmanians. After our first attendance at a networking event back in July we connected with a diverse network of individuals in a whole new way (TSO put their own spin on events which makes the event pretty memorable!). It really feels like a great environment to foster a sense of community whilst supporting the arts.

Do you have your own memories of the TSO or connections with music?

A core memory I hold was visiting the concert hall as a child. It was such a beautiful experience with a vibrant atmosphere. I recall how connected I felt with the storytelling woven through the concert. It left such a lasting impression and appreciation for the arts from a young age.

Thank you so much for your time Bethany. We look forward to seeing you and the Servcorp Hobart team again soon!

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TSO to star in the Australian Musical Theatre Festival

1 December 2024.

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra will perform in Launceston in May 2025 as part of the Australian Musical Theatre Festival.

The TSO will be joined by legendary singer, dancer and actor Caroline O’Connor, music theatre star Alinta
Chidzey and much-loved Australian tenor, Mark Vincent.

Titled Some Enchanted Evening, the concert will deliver lush orchestral arrangements of Broadway and West End classics, under the direction of musical composer and conductor, Guy Noble.

The festival's artistic director, Tyran Parke says the collaboration with the TSO 'takes the festival to new levels'.

'Some Enchanted Evening will be a pinnacle event in a program that encompasses five days, many venues, a range of engagements with many of our greatest stars and emerging talent, all set alongside an international city of gastronomy that serves the best food and wine I know,' he says.

Music theatre star Alinta Chidzey.

The repertoire on the night will include favourites from Rodgers and Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim and others.

'Over the past five festivals, the program has grown to include new works and classic musicals re-interpreted in modern contexts and unusual spaces, alongside concerts and forums, created especially to celebrate the unique culture of a city that keeps
delighting one and all,' Parke says.

In 2024, the Sydney Morning Herald theatre critic John Shand described the festival, as 'wildly imaginative and ambitious'.

'A gathering of storytellers: of young people honing their craft, and stars revelling in the virtuosic lyrics that define the idiom’s best songs. Music festivals of all stripes have always been about the shared experience as much as the art … Launceston’s ideal for the purpose,' Shand wrote.

Limelight editor, Jo Litson says Launceston 'works a treat as a festival centre'.

'It’s a small, attractive city, so getting from one venue to the next is an easy walk, while the Grand Chancellor Hotel, which backs onto the Princess Theatre, became something of a festival hub, with performers and audience members gathering to eat, drink and chat in the lobby bar,' Litson reported.

Experience the magic of musical theatre in a breathtaking concert with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra as part of the Australian Musical Theatre Festival! Saturday 24 May 2025 7:30pm, Princess Theatre, Launceston. Book now.

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Meet the Musicians: TSO Chorusmaster Warren Trevelyan-Jones

29 November 2024. Written by Sally Glaetzer.

From a major film soundtrack to the world-famous choir of Westminster Abbey, TSO Chorusmaster Warren Trevelyan-Jones has had a fascinating career as a singer, choral conductor, coach and music therapist.

We sat down with Warren ahead of our end-of-year concert, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, to find out what drives his love of choral music.

Having sung as a cathedral Choral Scholar in his teens and qualified as a music therapist at Bristol University, Warren spent nearly a decade as a Tenor Lay Vicar (adult singer) in the Choir of Westminster Abbey in London.

With the world-renowned choir, he performed at royal events such as the Queen Mother’s funeral and, as a freelance vocalist, he performed extensively through Europe and the world. Warren has appeared on more than 60 albums, including the soundtrack to a Harry Potter film (Goblet of Fire).

Warren moved to Australia in 2008 to take up the role of Head of Music at St James’ Church in Sydney, leading high-profile collaborations and national and international tours in addition to the regular choral services.

He has performed with many international ensembles, including the Tallis Scholars, The Gabrieli Consort and Collegium Vocale Gent. He founded the Gramophone award-winning group Ensemble Plus Ultra with Dr Michael Noone and, more recently, The Consort of Melbourne.

Warren has been Chorus Master at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra since 2017 and joined the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra in March.

Married with two young adult children, Warren now divides his time between Melbourne and Hobart.

TSO Chorusmaster Warren Trevelyan-Jones.

The TSO Chorus in concert with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Photo by Caleb Miller.

Warren, you have had an incredible career. Were you born into a life of music?

There was definitely nothing inevitable about how I started in music – my mother had a terrible upright piano and ours wasn’t a musical family. However, in my early years on our farm in Wales we had lodgers and the wife played the piano accordion. That sparked my interest.

My professional career started when a teacher at my school heard me sing a hymn and found me a gap-year job at a cathedral school. From there, I stepped into the cathedral choir tradition – it was completely foreign to me, but it absorbed me!

The Choir of Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous in the world. What was it like to sing with a renowned ensemble in such an iconic and historically significant space?

I sang in the choir at Westminster Abbey for nearly a decade, participating in state occasions such as the Queen Mother’s funeral. My children have the honour of being christened there, which is very special. The Abbey is a building of huge significance, not only as a place of worship but as a national symbol and a centre of cultural heritage. It has been pivotal to the narrative of British history and identity.

The Anglican choral tradition, which is so much a feature of cathedrals in the UK and Westminster Abbey in particular, is a remarkable cultural tradition that has been unbroken since at least the Middle Ages. It’s a remarkable community that extends far beyond its spiritual purpose, promoting musical excellence that supports and uplifts so many.

You have said that ‘everyone has a voice’. Why would you encourage people to take up singing – particularly with a choir?

Music has a unique power, probably more than anything else, to evoke a response and a reaction, particularly an emotional reaction.

Singing is especially relevant because it relies solely on the human body – you’re not using an external instrument; it’s you, your voice, and all your emotions.

Having a voice empowers people. It’s about enriching lives socially, emotionally, and health-wise.

What are you most proud of from your time as Head of Music at St James’ in Sydney?

St James is Sydney’s oldest church, and its first choir was made up of convicts who marched across the road in chains from Hyde Park Barracks. It’s had an amazing musical tradition that continues to flourish.

In addition to our regular choral services, we toured internationally, singing several times in Gallipoli, Singapore, in Westminster Abbey, Notre Dame in Paris before it burned down, and even in the Vatican; as well as every state of Australia.

St James has also played an important role in the commissioning of new music. The Church has always been a major patron of the arts, and nearly all Western choral music owes its existence to such church singing traditions.

TSO Chorus members in concert with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Photo by Caleb Miller.

You are currently preparing the TSO Chorus for this year’s end of year concert, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. What can the audience expect?

Johann Sebastian Bach is a complete genius and also the consummate church musician. In the early 1700s his job was to write music for every Sunday service.

His Christmas Oratorio takes us on a journey through the days of Christmas, opening with rousing timpani and trumpets. The first words are ‘Jauchzet, frohlocket!’ or ‘Shout for joy’ and it really is a special joyous celebration for all involved.

The music balances this celebration with serenity, the joyous trumpets and drums, and the woodwind evoking the pastoral scenes of the shepherds in their fields.

Click on the Chorus Fanatics button on our Concerts page to find out where and when you can see the TSO Chorus performing in 2025.

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Support your local creative industries this Christmas

25 November 2024. Written by Sally Glaetzer.

The festive season is well and truly upon us at the TSO, not least because of the excitement in the halls as we prepare for our concert finale for the year – Bach’s Christmas Oratorio.

The office banter has been dominated by plans for the staff Christmas party and the annual debate over best Christmas movie (Love Actually narrowly pips Die Hard in the straw poll among musos and staff).

Even the beautiful melodies emanating from the rehearsal rooms seem to have taken on a decidedly festive tone.

It’s natural then that the chatter has lately shifted to the topic of Christmas gift buying – a source of sheer joy for some TSO team members and a source of sheer dread for others.

With that in mind, we’ve assembled a festive gift guide to cater for those in both camps – one that embraces the spirit of giving while providing an antidote to the perils of consumerism.

Know someone who already has everything? Want to avoid simply giving more ‘stuff’? Looking for a way to shop that’s kinder to the planet? Read-on to discover how to wow your loved ones with gifts with extra meaning this year.

Give a year of experiences

Our Customer Manager Cameron Bryer is perhaps the biggest Christmas fan at the TSO.

Having worked as a Santa photo assistant and performed backing vocals for the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols, Cam is well qualified as our resident Yuletide expert.

‘I’ve always loved Christmas, it’s always full of fun and joy and – for me – Christmas is always about singing,’ Cam says.

Cam’s tip for Christmas gifting this year – a TSO concert package of course!

‘Another reason I love Christmas is that we get a lot of subscribers purchasing a season package for a friend or a loved one. I love hearing customers’ stories about their love of music and why they want to share that experience with someone else,’ Cam says.

How does it work?

Head to our packages page and select from one of our fixed packages or Create Your Own. The packages are fully flexible, so simply select three or more concerts across the year that you think the recipient may like and they can change it up later if needed.

Shop local and support Tasmanian talent

There is a lot to be said for shopping in your local bookshop this Christmas. Aside from the very important benefit of free gift wrapping (Fullers and The Hobart Bookshop have particularly fetching paper), our Tassie book stores are also filled with exceptional writing by local authors.

We asked Andy Durkin from Petrarch’s Bookshop in Launceston for the books at the top of her gift list this Christmas.

‘We have been spoilt with choice with books released in 2024 from Tasmanian creatives. Here is a taste of just a few titles, but please visit us and we can match you to many more titles that celebrate Tasmania for all interests,’ Andy says.

‘Dusk by Robbie Arnott (pictured left, at Fullers) is amazing and I also recommend Undersong by Hilary Burden, The Escapades of Tribulation Johnson by Karen Brooks, The Chocolate Factory by Mary-Lou Stephens, and Wild Heart of Tasmania by Greg French,’ she says.

For younger readers, Andy suggests music-themed Rock Dogs by Sally Sutton and Purinina by Christina Booth.

'Another beautiful gift is Faeries of Tasmania Vol 2 Illustrations by Tasmanian author and illustrator Terry Whidborne,’ she adds.

Surprise and delight with unique handmade objects

We’ve covered off on the experiential and the practical, but sometimes an object of beauty is what’s required. When that’s the case, why not ditch the factory-made for something made by hand?

Allanah Dopson of Hobart’s Handmark Gallery encourages gift-buyers to think outside the square when shopping for someone who’s hard to buy for, or who ‘has everything’.

Let’s face it, even the very youngest people in our lives probably don’t need another toy, so why not gift them an artwork they can treasure for a lifetime?

‘Artwork and handmade jewellery can be very affordable and make a unique gift that won’t be forgotten. If you can’t decide, a gift voucher is always an excellent choice,’ Allanah says.

‘Christmas is a great time to decide to give a gift that his handmade and made with love,’ she adds.

Also in Salamanca, head to Spacebar Gallery for quirky pieces by emerging creatives, or buy directly from the jewellery makers at State of Flux Workshop.

The gift shop at Launceston’s Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG) is a secret gem, offering free gift wrapping (yes, we’re obsessed) and a flat $10 postage fee. Look out for exquisite shell jewellery by Tasmanian Aboriginal artist Jeanette James, and greeting card sets, including this one featuring the photography of Olegas Truchanas.

The designedmade Makers Market is on again at Hobart Town Hall, from 6-8 December, featuring some of Tasmania’s best designers, artists and makers.

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Reaching every corner of Tasmania (and beyond)! TSO's community impact in 2024.

5 December 2024.

We’ve achieved so much in the past 12 months, from premiering new Tasmanian music to broadening our digital reach into global markets. Of course, none of this would be possible without TSO’s generous supporters.

Here is a brief snapshot of all that we’ve achieved in 2024.

This image shows a music rehearsal setting with a professional orchestral cellist in a green-striped sweater leaning over a music stand, appearing focused as they engage with sheet music or instructions. Another cellist is seated next to them in a learning capacity, with a serious expression, while additional musicians and instruments are visible blurred in the background.

Jonathan Békés at the 2024 Community Rehearsal.

A large group of children are seated on the floor in a lively school classroom, enthusiastically raising their hands to participate. A man in a black conductors outfit stands at the front, addressing the group, with a few adults seated and observing in the background.

Children participating the 2024 Words and Music Schools Tour.

Community Outreach

2,700 km

travelled

across the state.

1,300

Tasmanians

reached through workshops, performances for aged care residences and regional community groups.

300

choristers

took part in our now annual Voices en Masse concert, with choristers from across the country from Margaret River in WA to Warwick in QLD.

25,000

Tasmanians

experienced TSO concerts.

"As someone living on the East Coast, being able to attend a beautiful concert close to my home is very special."

– On the Winds at Spring Bay Mill audience member

TSO Concertmaster Emma McGrath performing a solo on the Federation Concert Hall stage.

Our Artistic Endeavours

14

pieces played

by Australian composers, including 4 premieres by Tasmanian composers.

16

concerts

viewed through TSO On Demand in over 450 households.

16

recordings

of live performances and 6 studio recordings, recorded by the ABC, attracting listeners across Australia.

A drawing of a desktop computer with a music note.

Symphony.live

TSO are the first Australian orchestra on symphony.live, strengthening our global reach.

"I truly believe there is no better orchestra in the world. There are so many really superb individual players and the full orchestral sound through my smart TV is a joy to behold."

– TSO On Demand subscriber from Carlisle, UK

A symphony orchestra on stage in a formal concert setting, with musicians standing and acknowledging applause from the audience.

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra standing for applause.

Schools and Artistic Training

10,000

students

reached from 100 schools through our education programs.

An envelope with a piece of paper and music note.

9

commissions

from our current graduates of the Australian Composers' School and this year accepted 4 new composers to the program.

Australian Conducting Academy

Expanded the national footprint of the Australian Conducting Academy by collaborating with all state orchestras providing opportunities for the next generation of Australian conductors.

emerging artists

Supported emerging Australian musicians through the ANAM Concerto Competition, Rising Star Competition and TSO/TYO Big Rehearsal.

What's in store for TSO in 2025?

We can't wait to share it with you. If you'd like to help us make an impact contact Development or Donate.

Donate

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