Coming Full Circle: The Sydney Symphony Orchestra at TUC
Sydney Symphony Orchestra Performance Fulfils Long-Held Dream at Taree Universities Campus
On 1 June 2024, Taree Universities Campus was honoured to host members of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, a momentous occasion that realised a vision first cast in the 1950s when the building at 2 Pulteney Street was originally conceived. This remarkable event marks a significant milestone in TUC’s history, showcasing the campus as a vibrant cultural hub for the Mid Coast community.
In the 1950s, as plans for the Taree Municipal Council building were being drawn up, local representatives dreamt of a precinct that could host large events, including performances by none other than the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Statements like "Taree requires a hall in which the whole Sydney Symphony Orchestra could perform" underscored their ambitious vision for a versatile venue capable of accommodating up to 600 dancing couples and even hosting royalty.
Fast forward to 2024, just months after TUC moved into the former Council building, this dream was serendipitously fulfilled when Uncle Will Paulson, a respected Biripi elder, invited the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to perform. The free performance on 1 June captivated a packed and appreciative audience, turning a 70-year-old dream into reality.
The event's success was a collaborative effort between TUC, Uncle Will Paulson, and Meklit Kibret, Education & Community Engagement Producer from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Meklit's coordination ensured the orchestra's string musicians had the space they needed, and Uncle Will's outreach to the Aboriginal Educational Consultative Group broadened the event's impact.
This performance not only celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the MidCoast region but also highlighted the ongoing commitment of TUC to foster community engagement and educational enrichment. The presence of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at TUC embodies the campus's mission to be a beacon of learning, culture, and community spirit.
