Speeches
Saturday, 26 September 2026
Officially open the AdYO Anniversary Gala Concert
Rod and I are delighted to be here, with our daughter Sophie, for this Anniversary Gala Concert.
And what a fitting way to begin this evening, with the world premiere of Fanfaronade, commissioned for this occasion by South Australian Nathan Cummins, with the generous support of the James and Diana Ramsay Foundation in the centenary year of Diana’s birth.
Diana was a life member of this organisation, and the Foundation continues to be a wonderful supporter of the arts in South Australia.
As Governor, and as patron of Adelaide Youth Orchestras, I congratulate Adelaide Youth Orchestras on a quarter of a century of providing exceptional opportunities for young South Australian musicians to learn, perform and grow through orchestral music.
I welcome everyone who has joined us in the Adelaide Town Hall this evening, including parents, grandparents, music teachers, aunts and uncles, families and friends, and our generous donors and supporters.
A warm welcome also to our alumni from 2001 to today, several of whom perform again in this hall tonight.
I’ve been fortunate to engage extensively with the orchestras, including sitting in rehearsal with both the Youth Orchestra and Symphonia.
It was thrilling to sit beside the cellos during rehearsal, close enough to feel the music as much as hear it.
Rod and I have enjoyed a number of performances, notably Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 at Elder Hall, and Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet here at the Adelaide Town Hall.
It’s also been a pleasure for us to welcome musicians to play at Government House and at other official events, such as my State Farewell Reception last week at Adelaide Oval.
Tonight has special significance, as it brings all six Adelaide Youth Orchestra ensembles on stage together.
I’m sure we will all be heartened by the energy, talent and dedication of the young musicians this evening.
More than two thousand young musicians have participated in Adelaide Youth Orchestras' programs over these twenty-five years.
I pay tribute to Keith Crellin, whose more than two decades as Artistic Director have left a great legacy. I am delighted that he conducts the Sinfonia this evening.
I also warmly welcome Lloyd Van't Hoff as incoming Artistic Director. No doubt he will build on Keith's legacy, as AdYo positions itself strongly for the future.
Youth music-making has a profound impact on South Australia, building confidence, discipline, creativity, friendships and a lifelong appreciation of music in young people.
We can all be proud that Adelaide is a UNESCO Creative City of Music, and that organisations like Adelaide Youth Orchestras are central to our reputation for musical excellence.
To the young musicians here tonight, I encourage you to embrace the opportunities ahead of you, on this stage and beyond it.
I have every confidence in you and in the future you will help to shape.
Congratulations, Adelaide Youth Orchestras, on twenty-five remarkable years, and here’s to twenty-five more.
It is now my great pleasure to declare the Adelaide Youth Orchestras 25th Anniversary Gala Concert officially begun.