Federal Funding Doubles For Darwin Symphony Orchestra

The Member for Solomon, David Tollner MP, said today that Darwin Symphony Orchestra would receive an additional $100,000 a year for the next four years, doubling the Federal Government's funding to the group.

This follows an announcement from the Prime Minister today during his visit to Darwin and comes on top of the $400,000 in funding from the Federal Government over four years which was announced last year.

The Darwin Symphony Orchestra has been performing for audiences in the Northern Territory since June 1989 and has achieved a substantial level of support from the local community.

"Australian Government funding is to be provided to the Darwin Symphony Orchestra in recognition of the central role the orchestra has in the cultural life of Darwin and the regional and remote areas of the Northern Territory,” Mr Tollner said.

"This funding means the orchestra will receive $200,000 per annum over the next four years. It will assist the orchestra to enhance its program of concerts and enable it to forge stronger links with other state symphony orchestras.”

The Darwin Symphony Orchestra often performs in remote and unusual locations, such as Katherine Gorge, Nourlangie Rock, Glen Helen Gorge and Kununurra as well as rural areas around Darwin.

The new funding will enable the Darwin Symphony Orchestra to attract leading conductors and orchestral musicians to perform as guest artists and to mentor young musicians.

Last year's funding responded to a recommendation of the Orchestras Review 2005, conducted by James Strong, and was part of an Australian Government funding package of $25.4 million for the nation's orchestras.

The Orchestras Review recommended Australian Government funding for the Darwin Symphony Orchestra, noting the important role it plays in its community and its success in building community support.

2007-08-29