From Abba and Queen to Chopin and Dvorak the Tamborine Mountain Orchestra is set to wow audiences at their 50th anniversary concert on Saturday August 31st.
The much-loved orchestra started from humble beginnings as a youth orchestra in October 1974 by Raymond Curtis and his wife Eve.
With a population of only about 650 at the time, no music in the schools, few instruments, no music teachers and poor roads, it was a daunting task.
“It was something for the children, to give them an opportunity to learn an instrument and give them that extra facet of education,” recalled long-term member, Barbara Lassiter.
“We are now bearing the fruit of that seed planted back in 1974 which is a lovely story in itself.”
Barbara, who trained at the Royal College of Music in London, retired to Tamborine Mountain in 1994 and briefly became President of the TMO before handing the baton on to Sanne Kreijkamp-Kaspers, the current President.
As the children grew up and moved away, older members joined, and the Tamborine Mountain Youth Orchestra changed its name about ten years ago to the Tamborine Mountain Orchestra.
Concerts were originally held at St George’s Anglican Church and later moved to Tamborine Mountain State High School to accommodate the larger group and audiences.
The change of venue brought renewed interest from children and the orchestra now has ages ranging from nine to 85-years-old.
Barbara said newcomers to the mountain with a wealth of musical experience have joined the orchestra, significantly raising their standard.
Sean Butler leads the orchestra as Music Director and Conductor, ensuring a strong rapport amongst all the musicians.
“It’s a very happy orchestra. People who play as guests with us say they love doing it because the atmosphere is so warm,” Barbara said.
“Our orchestra is remarkable, everyone in it is nice and it’s like one big family. We all have one thing in common and that’s wanting to get together to make music, and I think that comes over to the audience members.”
The concert will feature 50 musicians in addition to 15 past members who have been invited to return to play at the 50th anniversary concert.
The program will include original compositions by the orchestra’s founder, Raymond Curtis, including a never-before-performed piece found by Mr Curtis’s family.
The concert will be held at the Tamborine Mountain State High School auditorium at 2:30pm on August 31 and will be followed by a party at the Grand Chameleon. Tickets can be purchased www.ticketebo.com.au/tmo.
