Once in doubt, the Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s future is now secure, thanks to the Federal Government’s announcement of $4.1 million over the next four years in this week’s budget, CEO Rachel Thomas says.
The CSO is Australia’s national orchestra and one of the oldest orchestras in the country, but Ms Thomas said its viability was at risk due to reductions in sponsorship support and ticket sales in the wake of the pandemic, rising program costs, and a history of receiving significantly less Commonwealth funding than any other Australian state orchestra.
“This funding is not just a lifeline,” Ms Thomas said; “it’s a building block to help secure the future of an Australian institution that has long championed Australian music and culture.
“We’re grateful to the Australian Government for recognising the importance of providing more equitable support for the CSO, which not only delivers a program of music that has been recognised as the most diverse in Australia, but makes a huge economic and social contribution to the ACT through employment of local people, and community programs that ensure music is accessible to everyone.”
Ms Thomas said the CSO would use the $1.1 million a year ongoing and indexed funding to expand the orchestra’s small administrative, creative and programming team, which had been stretched to capacity; enhance previously underfunded musical programs, and other initiatives that will help generate sustainable ongoing income for the orchestra, which celebrates its 75th anniversary next year.
“This generous support will allow us to grow the CSO’s unique offerings, such as our Australian Series and Llewellyn Series concerts, which have long given a voice to new Australian artists, including Indigenous performers, and supported emerging talent,” Ms Thomas said.
“It will enable us to continue to attract interstate and international visitors seeking high-quality experiences, which will deliver benefits to other arts and cultural organisations across the ACT.
“Every dollar spent will help us put in place the critical foundations that will enable us to build a resilient and dynamic future for the CSO, and to ensure that the quality of our performances and educational initiatives can not only be maintained but flourish.”
Ms Thomas added that increased Federal Government funding, coupled with the support of CSO donors and community members, would enable the orchestra to continue to deliver educational and mentorship programs for talented young Australian musicians.
