Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra facts for kids

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is a fantastic group of musicians based in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. They are a symphony orchestra, which means they play classical music with many different instruments. The TSO is the smallest of the six main orchestras started by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

What is the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra?

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, or TSO, is a professional orchestra. This means their musicians play music for a living. They perform many concerts and record music. The TSO helps bring beautiful classical music to people in Tasmania and beyond.

The TSO's History: How it Started

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra began in 1948. Their very first concert was on May 25 in the Hobart Town Hall. A conductor named Joseph Post led the orchestra. A famous pianist from Tasmania, Eileen Joyce, played a special piano piece by Edvard Grieg.

From 1973 to 1998, the TSO performed at the Odeon Theatre. This building used to be a cinema. Now, the orchestra's main home is the Federation Concert Hall. In 1998, they celebrated their 50th birthday with a concert back at the original Town Hall.

The TSO was the first orchestra in Australia to have its own radio show! It was called Journey into Melody. This show was on every week from 1956 to 1969.

By the late 1960s, many people in Tasmania loved the TSO. More people subscribed to their concerts there than in any other big city in Australia. In 1995, there was a plan to make the orchestra smaller. But 35,000 people signed a petition to save it. This was the biggest petition in Tasmania's history!

The Federation Concert Hall, where the TSO often performs.

In 1998, the TSO even released a cookbook! It was called A Taste of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. It had recipes from the musicians and guest artists. It sold much better than anyone expected.

Where the TSO Performs and Who Supports Them

The TSO gets money from both the Tasmanian and Australian governments. They play concerts in many places. Their main hall is the Federation Concert Hall in Hobart. They also perform in places like Tolosa Park in Glenorchy and the Princess Theatre in Launceston. Sometimes, they even play in Sydney!

Big companies like Hydro Tasmania and the Hobart City Council also help support the orchestra.

The TSO has recorded many albums. One special recording was all the piano and orchestra music by Ignaz Moscheles. Howard Shelley was the soloist and conductor for this.

The TSO has traveled all over the world! They have visited countries like Israel, Japan, and the United States. In 1996, they won a big award called the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Award. A TV show about the music Mother Goose by Maurice Ravel, which featured the TSO, also won an award in New York.

In 2013, the TSO recorded an album called I Dreamed a Dream: The Hit Songs from Broadway. They worked with many talented singers for this album. They also performed concerts called TSO Goes to Broadway.

Who Leads the Orchestra?

The orchestra has a Chief Conductor who leads them. They also have a Concertmaster, who is the lead violinist.

Chief Conductors of the TSO

Concertmasters of the TSO

Awards and Recognitions

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra has won many awards for their amazing music.

AIR Awards

The AIR Awards celebrate independent music in Australia.

APRA-AMC Classical Music Awards

These awards celebrate classical music in Australia.

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards are big awards for Australian music.

National Live Music Awards

These awards celebrate live music performances in Australia.

See also

• Symphony Australia
• IHOS Music Theatre and Opera