TSO’s RACT Symphony under the Stars headed to Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in 2019

Orchestra’s annual outdoor family concert to be held in the Gardens as part of strategy to increase access.

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra today announces that the 2019 southern performance of its annual outdoor family concert, RACT Symphony under the Stars, will take place in the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. The move is designed to enable as many residents of Greater Hobart and beyond to easily access the concert, one of the highlights of the summer calendar. The northern RACT Symphony under the Stars concert will return to Launceston’s City Park.

TSO Managing Director Nicholas Heyward said that moving RACT Symphony under the Stars in the Gardens was part of a multi-year strategy to rotate the concert around the state in order to give more Tasmanians the opportunity to experience the orchestra in a free, live outdoor setting and will provide easy access from residents of Clarence, Glenorchy, Kingborough, The Huon and Hobart and that future concerts will take place in Burnie and Devonport in coming years, where the local communities have shown considerable interest.

Mr Heyward said, ‘RACT Symphony under the Stars is one of Tasmania’s favourite family events and for many people attending with a picnic has become a February tradition. We see the RACT Symphony under the Stars concerts as our gift to the people of Tasmania and aim to bring the orchestra to the widest cross-section of the Tasmanian community. By moving the concerts around the state in the coming years we will be able to provide more Tasmanians the opportunity experience their symphony orchestra and enjoy this unique concert. ’

Mr Heyward believes ‘We certainly intend to return to Tolosa Park in the future, as well as other areas of Hobart that can accommodate the concert’.

The move has been supported by all stakeholders. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Board Chair Beth Mathison said ‘We are delighted that the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens will be the venue for the 2019 Symphony under the Stars. The Gardens offer a natural amphitheatre and is an ideal setting for this event. In our bicentennial year, being able to form a partnership with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra for this truly wonderful event is particularly special.’

TSO Principal Partner RACT, supporters of the flagship event since 2012, shares the TSO’s vision to move the concerts around the state.

Glenorchy Mayor Kristie Johnson said that whilst she was sorry the event was leaving Tolosa Park, she understood that changing the location for 2019 would enable access to other areas of Greater Hobart. ‘It’s disappointing to see the TSO departing Tolosa Park but we understand their desire to bring a large event like this to other areas. We wish the TSO all the best with future events and we hope to welcome them back to the Glenorchy municipality in years to come.’

The 2019 RACT Symphony under the Stars concerts will take place on Saturday February 16 at the Botanical Gardens, and Saturday February 23 at Launceston’s City Park. Concertgoers at both events are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and camp chairs and enjoy the informal atmosphere of the events.

The TSO’s full 2019 season, including program, conductor and soloists for the RACT Symphony under the Stars concerts, will be released on October 2.
SAMUEL J CAIRNDUFF | Director Marketing and Communications | Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra