Thank you for taking a seat
At the 鈥楾ake a Seat鈥 celebration, 成人大片 Chancellor and alumna, The Hon Cathy Branson AC KC recalled in her speech, 鈥淭here was talk, serious talk, about knocking it down to build something new and modern 鈥 something 鈥渕ore fit for purpose. This provoked quite a fiery debate, and protests, and thankfully those on the side of history won, and the Hall was saved from the wrecking ball. 聽Soon after, in 1978, Elder Hall was completely refurbished, polished, and prepared for the next generation. Now, with our thanks to those gathered here tonight, it has been our generation鈥檚 turn to act, 45 years on.鈥
More than 170 guests enjoyed the celebration that included a beautiful musical program curated by Elder Conservatorium alumna and Director, Professor Anna Goldsworthy.
The program featured pianists Lucinda Collins and Konstantin Shamray performing Rachmaninoff Barcarolle from 6 Morceaux op 11 and Shostakovich: Nocturne from Suite op 6 for two pianos. Schubert鈥檚 Quintet in A major for Piano and Strings, D. 667, Trout (Allegro vivace and Theme and variations) made up the second half of the program and was performed by: Elizabeth Layton (violin); Stephen King (viola), Simon Cobcroft (cello); Robert Nairne (double bass) and Anna Goldsworthy (piano).
After the concert there was the opportunity for donors to be photographed with their plaque and enjoy drinks and canapes in Bonython Hall.
More than 100 seats have been 鈥渢aken鈥 and bear dedicatory plaques featuring donor names or those of their loved ones. There is still an opportunity to be included in 鈥楾ake a Seat鈥 and be acknowledged with an engraved plaque placed on the back of a seat.聽