TSO finishes 2016 on high-note in China

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra finished 2016 on a high-note, with a successful tour to China underway, increasing subscribers and a modest financial surplus.

In releasing the 2016 Annual Report at the organisations AGM, TSO Chairman David Rich said he was delighted that such a successful year finished with the tour to China in full swing, but it was just as important to not underestimate the TSO’s other achievements.

“The TSO has recorded a small surplus of $6,612, while our subscription series continued to grow along with single ticket sales, increasing some 20 per cent for the year,” Mr Rich said.

“To see a one in five increase in subscription and ticket sales is something any business would be proud of and shows the increasing recognition that the TSO is truly a world-class orchestra.

“In 2016 there were a number of musical highlights but in particular our performance of excerpts from Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde conducted by our wonderful Chief Conductor and Artistic Director, Marko Letonja, with internationally standard soloists, Nina Stemme and Stuart Skelton.

“The Wagner performance attracted a significant interstate audience, with a standing ovation and further added to the profile and reputation of the TSO.”

Mr Rich said contributing to the enjoyment of the orchestra, was the rise of the TSO Chorus, under the leadership of June Tyzack, with highlights such being Gilbert and Sullivan extracts Bach’s St Matthew Passion and Haydn’s The Creation.

TSO Managing Director Nicholas Heyward welcomed the appointment during the year of Emma McGrath as the orchestra’s new Concertmaster.

“Before coming to the TSO, Emma was a member of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and has quickly established herself as truly outstanding musician and leader of the orchestra,” Mr Heyward said.

“In addition to this, we are delighted that Marko Letonja has agreed to a seventh year as Chief Conductor and Artistic Director meaning he will be with us until at least the end of 2018.

Mr Heyward said the orchestra continued to reach larger and more diverse audiences, with the successful Live Session concerts at Hobarts’ Macquarie Point, while the Skyfields Festival at Sheffield saw some 4,500 enjoy the TSO performing with Missy Higgins.

“During Mona’s Mofo and Dark Mofo festival, the orchestra continued to play to packed houses,” Mr Heyward said.

“2016 has been a successful year and to finish with the tour of China underway, subscriber and ticket sales up by 20 per cent and a modest surplus is a fantastic result and sets the scene for an even more successful year in 2017,” Mr Heyward said.
Ned Worledge