2024 President’s Report to the AGM

Barrier Reef Orchestra’s President, Prof. Stephen Boyle, presented the following report to the 2024 Annual General Meeting.

Last 12 months has been an exciting time for the organisation. Great concerts staged, were
awarded important grants and expanded our repertoire, instrument collection and our
administration.


In June 2023 the Barrier Reef Orchestra was successful in obtaining a grant from Arts
Queensland to further develop the strategic vision of the Orchestra. This funding under the
Queensland Arts Showcase Program (QASP) Grow has allowed BRO to appoint an Artistic
Director for a period of two years. Theodore Kuchar accepted our invitation to be the
inaugural AD.


The funding also provided for professional administrative support to the Orchestra and in
December 2023 we welcomed Vicki Katthagen to the team as our Arts Administration
Coordinator.


This brings our administrative capacity to three and provides valuable support for our ever-
hard-working Orchestra Manager, Sally Frewen-Lloyd.


Earlier successful Gambling Fund application for $35,000 which allow us to purchase an
oboe, Eb Clarinet and three C trumpets.

Conclusion

  • Review the last 12 months apparent that the Barrier Reef Orchestra continues to provide wonderful opportunities for local musicians and audiences alike.
  • We perform a wide variety of repertoire which cater to different audiences and allows our musicians to continue to develop their musical skills and abilities.
  • We provide opportunities for our musicians to work with internationally renowned conductors and in the process raise the profile of Townsville in the international musical landscape.
  • Looking ahead we see some challenges and some great opportunities.
  • Our greatest challenge is to find a home for the orchestra.
  • With the local cultural calendar becoming increasingly busy we are finding it difficult to secure appropriate concert venues which impacts on the orchestra’s ability to plan appropriate repertoire, secure soloists and conductors and lock in an annual season to assist in securing appropriate ticket sales.
  • I would like to thank the hard-working Committee for their tireless commitment to assisting the orchestra to achieve its goals. Without their hard work behind the scenes the grant funding, concert preparation, logistics and everything else that goes into making the orchestra successful wouldn’t happen.
  • I would also like to thank the musicians that give up their time to practice, rehearse and perform. Without you there would be no orchestra!
  • Finally, I acknowledge the Townsville City Council for their continued support, Arts Queensland for their support and the myriad of sponsors and donors who contribute valuable resources to ensure the Barrier Reef Orchestra continues to be a strong cultural force in our community.