Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

Ms KATE ELLIS (Adelaide) (9.51 a.m.)—I rise to speak on the recently launched review entitled A new era: orchestras review report 2005, referred to in media reports as the Strong report, after the chair of the review panel.

I would assert, however, that it is not a strong report at all, for the plan would weaken rather than strengthen our orchestras. It advocates a fundamental shift in the way our orchestras are run which would inevitably stifle the creativity, vigour and talent currently displayed by these cultural institutions.

Situated in my electorate is the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Currently, it has 75 full-time performers, and last year it distinguished itself with a critically acclaimed production of Wagner’s epic Ring Cycle. Such a performance would be almost impossible to pull off if the recommendations of this review were implemented. Of particular concern is recommendation 14, which states that the ASO should reduce its full-time equivalent musicians from its current 75 to a mere 56 members. Such a cut would endanger the strength of the ensemble, a strength which is drawn from a permanent orchestra of that size.

My office has been inundated with pleas from across the electorate of Adelaide. There is a large amount of community support for the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, which undertakes over 100 performances every year across a very diverse spectrum of music. Apart from its own performances, it provides orchestral support for all State Opera of South Australia productions and for Adelaide performances of the ballet and of Opera Australia. It has consistently been the most prolific contributor to the Adelaide Festival. Of great importance also is the ASO’s strong community focus. It performs many children’s concerts and undertakes many educational events. Such events provide children with a wonderful introduction to the world of music. These events would all be under

threat if these recommendations were implemented. Also under threat would be such Adelaide community events as Symphony under the Stars. This annual event is a public, free, open-air concert which is enjoyed and embraced by many members of the community from all walks of life. Indeed, it is the only way many South Australians experience live orchestral music. The proposed cuts would leave the orchestra with a much smaller repertoire and leave it unable to perform many popular works.

One of the claims of the review is that it is attempting to ‘address the issue of sustainability of Australia’s symphony and pit orchestras.’ This review falls far short of that. The CEO of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Mr Rainer Joseps, has highlighted the fact that, if the orchestra were less effective, it would not be able to attract the kind of sponsorship and income that it currently does. How does reducing the abilities of an institution address its long-term sustainability? The review recommends slashing 19 full-time positions in the ASO. This begs the question: does the government support a high quality, world-renowned symphony orchestra for the people of South Australia? It becomes difficult to see how it can if the only substantial finding of the report is to recommend a raft

of sackings. (Time expired)