Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra facts for kids

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is a group of musicians who play classical music together. They are based in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. The TSO is the smallest of the six orchestras started by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

History of the TSO

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra began in 1948. Their very first concert was on May 25, 1948. It took place at the Hobart Town Hall. Joseph Post was the conductor. A famous pianist from Tasmania, Eileen Joyce, played a piano concerto by Edvard Grieg.

From 1973 to 1998, the TSO performed at the Odeon Theatre. This building used to be a cinema. Now, their main home is the Federation Concert Hall. In 1998, the orchestra celebrated its 50th birthday. They held a special concert back at the original Town Hall. David Porcelijn was the conductor for this event.

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

In the late 1960s, many people in Tasmania supported the TSO. More people subscribed to their concerts there than in any other Australian city. In 1995, the orchestra faced money problems. There was a plan to make the orchestra smaller. But the "Friends of the TSO" group started a petition. They collected 35,000 signatures. This was the biggest petition ever in Tasmania's history!

Federation Concert Hall, home of the TSO

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

The TSO gets money from both the Tasmanian and Australian governments. They perform in many places across Tasmania and other states. These places include Federation Concert Hall, Tolosa Park in Glenorchy, and the Princess Theatre in Launceston. They also play at the City Recital Hall in Sydney. Big companies like Hydro Tasmania also help support the orchestra.

The TSO has made many recordings. One recording features all the works for piano and orchestra by Ignaz Moscheles. Howard Shelley was both the soloist and conductor for this recording.

The TSO has traveled to many countries. They have toured to Israel, Greece, South Korea, and Japan. They have also performed all over Australia. In 1996, they won the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Award. A TV show about Maurice Ravel's Mother Goose, which featured the TSO, 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 singers like Trisha Crowe and Michael Falzon. They also performed concerts called TSO Goes to Broadway in Hobart and Launceston.

Meet the Conductors

The chief conductor leads the orchestra. Here are some of the people who have been chief conductors:

Meet the Concertmasters

The concertmaster is the lead violinist in the orchestra. They often help the conductor.

Awards and Recognition

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

AIR Awards

The AIR Awards celebrate independent music in Australia.

• In 2023, the TSO's album Nightlight was nominated for "Best Independent Classical Album or EP".

APRA-AMC Classical Music Awards

These awards recognize great classical music in Australia.

• In 2005, the TSO won "Orchestral Work of the Year" for Concerto for Guitar and Strings. They also won for "Outstanding Contribution by an Organisation".
• In 2006, they won "Orchestral Work of the Year" for Cello Dreaming Orchestral Version.
• In 2009, they won "Orchestral Work of the Year" for Tivoli Dances.

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards are Australia's biggest music awards.

• In 1990, the TSO won "Best Classical Album" for Vivaldi: The Four Seasons.
• In 2002, their album Symphony of Lullabies was nominated for "Best Children's Album".
• They have also been nominated for "Best Classical Album" several times, including in 1997, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2014, and 2018.

National Live Music Awards

These awards celebrate live music performances in Australia.

• In 2023, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra won "Best Classical Act".

See also

• Symphony Australia
• IHOS Music Theatre and Opera