Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra
What a year – after a positive beginning and memorable performances by talented teacher bands at the first Twilight Concert in February, things were looking up. What happened next was beyond believable with a 14.4-metre flood, which caused chaos not only on the ground level but eight feet up into the first floor of the beloved Conservatorium building. In the following days, the reality of the damage, wreckage, and loss was incredibly challenging both physically and emotionally.
Everyone pitched in for the cleanup and Southern Cross University offered space for admin and teaching and the Music In Schools program continued to be delivered where possible.
By term 3 the admin and teachers moved back into town and, with the incredible generosity of Musica Viva Australia and SCU, the Con were able to get their Visiting Artists program back on track.
The Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra was back in force in the spring holidays, the Youth Jazz Orchestra energised the Lismore Show, and the Big Play Day was a hit with the Hot Potato Band.
As the year draws to a close most of the restoration works are now complete – and the Con will be able to continue to provide free tickets to the flood-affected for our 2023 events. Stay tuned, and happy holidays!
