Gifting the joy of music
Accessibility to the arts was an important driver for former University of Tasmania Deputy Chancellor, business leader and alumnus Dr Rod Roberts and Mrs Cecile Roberts when they established the Ossa Music Prize.
“We want to ensure classical music is accessible to regional audiences and reward talented musicians, which is why the prize winner is provided with support to perform concerts in regional Tasmania,” Dr Roberts said.
Since it was established, six students have had the privilege of starring in state-wide concerts and countless Tasmanians living in the North, North-West and East Coast regions have been given the opportunity to attend the performances.
The 2023 Ossa Music Prize winner and pianist Sarah Chick said the chance to tour Tasmania was an incredible opportunity to develop as a solo artist.
“I realised how much I love sharing and performing music,” Sarah said.
“It was an experience that I’ll never forget and I will always have a deep gratitude for those who made it possible.”
The tour included a special West Coast Concert in Queenstown thanks to the generosity of another donor, Christian Stoermer.
He supports the arts and cultural excellence at the University of Tasmania in honour of his late mother, Margaret, who was an avid musician and singer.
He also established the Margaret Stoermer Prize for best Third-Year or Honours Performer.
Mr Stoermer believes that supporting philanthropy and the University makes the world a better place for future generations.
A more unusual donation was that of a donated vibraphone that hums within the Hedberg, Hobart's world-class performing arts precinct. The instrument was a bequest from the late Andrew Robert Young (DipMus ’02).
“Unusual gifts like this vibraphone enrich the teaching and learning of students at the University,” Head of Music Dr Arabella Teniswood-Harvey said.
Green family generosity lives on
Another significant and treasured gift to the University consists of artworks, books, documents and maps that will have a profound impact on students, staff and the broader community.
Caroline Johnston, with the support of her siblings, arranged the generous donation on behalf of her parents, the late Joan Green OAM and Dick Green AM, who helped establish the National Trust of Australia (Tasmania) and were strong supporters of the arts and built heritage.
The family felt these gifts were appropriate to add to the already rich partnership with the University reflected in the two Green Family Awards: The Dick and Joan Green Family Award for Tasmanian History, and the Green Family Architecture Design Studio Award.
The University gratefully received the 75 items, including a set of hand-coloured aquatints by convict artist Joseph Lycett, engravings by artist John Skinner Prout and several books, such as Citizenship for the Aborigines: A National Aboriginal Policy (1944) by A.P. Elkin.
“This material provides opportunities for our students and visitors to further interrogate our understanding of history, through multiple critical perspectives,” the University of Tasmania’s Director of Curatorial and Cultural Collections, Caine Chennatt, said.
An exhibit showcasing a selection of artworks donated by the Green family is currently on display in the Morris Miller Library foyer in Hobart. The exhibit will see the family's ongoing generosity directly impact students, researchers and all who walk past.
Read more stories from Impact 2023.
Learn more about Giving at the University of Tasmania
Banner image: Ossa prize 2023 recipient Sarah Chick | Image credit: Oi Studios