The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) will $9.6 million over the next four years from the state government.
Minister for the Arts and Heritage Madeleine Ogilvie made the announcement following recent sold-out performances by the orchestra, including a collaboration with The Cat Empire at Wrest Point and the “masterful” Voices en Masse concert.
“Our arts, cultural and creative sector is important to Tasmania,” Ogilvie said.
“Our arts sector encourages innovation, enriches local and visitor experience and enhances well-being. Everyone loves music and we are deeply proud of our orchestra.”
She said the investment will support the orchestra’s continued success and growth, ensuring that it remains a ‘vibrant and integral part’ of Tasmania’s cultural landscape.
The TSO is the most recorded, broadcast and streamed orchestra in Australia and provides employment for over 250 Tasmanians.
Ogilvie says over 11,000 Tasmanian children will attend a TSO performance this year, while the orchestra’s industry development program, Growing Pains in the Arts, is also currently underway.
The TSO is currently in a spat with the state government, caused by their opposition to the proposed Macquarie Point Stadium.
The orchestra is calling for a “common sense rethink” of the stadium’s proposed location, which they say would obstruct sight lines from the Hobart cenotaph and impact the “orchestra’s viability”.
“There is no precedent for a large national-grade stadium and a concert hall. It’s a situation not contemplated by any cultural jurisdiction in the world,” TSO CEO Caroline Sharpen said.
“The proponent’s own noise and vibration assessment submitted to the Tasmanian Planning Commission notes that Tasmania has “no governing policy related to noise emissions from stadia, including concerts and sporting events.”
Musicians from the TSO will perform at a vigil organised by The Greens and RSL Tasmania at the Hobart Cenotaph on November 10 to share their opposition to the project.
