This in from the Canberra Symphony Orchestra:
Within the cultural circles of Canberra and beyond, the current crisis between the ANU and the School of Music has raised intense emotions which reflect the deep passion held for music and cultural engagement in our nation’s capital. Throughout these past two weeks (which embraced the rehearsals and performances of our LS12:2 concert), the Canberra Symphony Orchestra (CSO) has maintained a clear and unique voice as we recognise the importance of asking the larger, more far- reaching questions that arise from this matter.
At the moment, as passions run high, various sectors in the music community are rallying to secure their specific cause. While acknowledging the difficulty of the current situation, we ask that everyone take a step back, breathe and stop for a moment. These are critical times with significant long-term implications; solutions should not be shaped by the heat of the moment.
The CSO is the largest source of employment for professional musicians and the largest of the ACT key arts organisations in the region, therefore we believe it is our responsibility and our role to be directly involved in securing the future of music in Canberra.
We are part of a creative community and, as such, we share the long-held axiom that change fuels creativity. We are committed to working towards sustainable solutions that will achieve music tuition and performance excellence for our community. This must be a collaborative process and solutions will take time to develop. We are currently discussing ideas with a number of different key stakeholders so that we can continue to position Canberra and Canberra musicians as national leaders in their fields.
We understand that in the current climate, rumours fill the gap where facts are not positioned and we are working intensively to reach the point where we can offer creative, positive solutions that are grounded in reality.
Some may look on these as dark days for music in Canberra but the CSO is here to stay. We are looking beyond the current gloom to open new, enhanced opportunities for inspiring music in the city we love and serve.
Henry Laska
CEO
Canberra Symphony Orchestra
17 May 2012