Elder Conservatorium of Music
The Elder Conservatorium of Music, also known as "The Con", is Australia's senior academy of music and is located in the centre of Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. It is named in honour of its benefactor, Sir Thomas Elder (1818–1897). Dating in its earliest form from 1883, it has a history in professional training for musical performance, musical composition, research in all fields of music, and music education. The Elder Conservatorium of Music and its forerunners have been parts of the University of Adelaide since the early 1880s. The current Director is Professor Anna Goldsworthy.
Facilities[edit]
Elder Hall[edit]
Elder Hall is one of Australia's concert halls. Building commenced in 1898 and it was officially opened in 1900 by the then Governor of South Australia, Lord Tennyson. Its interior features a hammer-beam roof modelled on the Middle Temple in London, and a three-manual organ built by Casavant Frères of Canada. Elder Hall is the primary focus of the Conservatorium's successful annual concert series. Conservatorium concerts are also given in several other locations, including the Adelaide Town Hall, and St Peter's (Anglican) Cathedral in North Adelaide.
Electronic Music Unit[edit]
The Electronic Music Unit (EMU) is the hub of music technology, sound production, sonic arts and electronic music at the Elder Conservatorium. Formerly known as the Elder Electronic Music Studio (1962–1994) and the Performing Arts Technology Unit (1994–2001) it was founded in 1962 as a result of the engagement of Dr Henk Badings as composer in residence at the Elder Conservatorium. Its facilities include recording studios, computer suites, and a collection of analogue synthesizers dating back to the 1960s. It is also used as a public venue for concerts of contemporary and experimental music. It was the first such studio in Australia. Many composers have been associated with it, including Henk Badings, Peter Tahourdin, Tristram Cary (the designer of the legendary VCS3 synthesizer), Martin Wesley-Smith and Stephen Whittington. EMU offers programs providing knowledge and skills in music technology, such as sound engineering, sound designing for games or films, electronic composition or performance, and software for plug-in development or sound art.
Performing ensembles[edit]
Classical Choirs[edit]
Carl Crossin OAM has been Head of Choral Music at the Conservatorium since 2002 when the current choral program was initiated. He is also artistic director and conductor of Adelaide Chamber Singers and was awarded an OAM for his services to music (choral music in particular) in the 2007 Australia Day Honours List.