NRSO and the Community

Tsunami Relief Effort

The NRSO in conjunction with Seagulls Club, the Tweed Shire Council, and a host of additional sponsors succeeded in raising $50,000 for Care Australia's South East Asian Relief Appeal. 100% of the proceeds from this benefit concert were donated directly to Care Australia. The event kicked off our 2005 season.

Message from conductor Barry Singh:

"The aftermath of the Tsunamis that struck southern Asia on Boxing Day 2004 have profoundly affected the entire world. No more so than the victims themselves. The anguish, fear, terror and grief that these people have had to face, and are continuing to face, is for those not directly affected incomprehensible. What we do comprehend however is that these people are in desperate need of assistance both now and in the future. With this in mind, the NRSO in conjunction with Seagulls Club and several other generous sponsors have decided to hold a variety concert on their behalf. It is hoped that this concert will raise enough money to help alleviate to some degree the plight that these victims are facing.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the management and staff of Seagulls Club without whose generous support this concert would not have happened. In particular I would like to personally thank Cindy Mulheron and Maggie & Baz Leybourne who have worked tirelessly to guarantee the  success of this concert. I would also like to thank the soloists who apppeared on today's programme: Liza Beamish, Henry Ruhl, Sebastien Lipman, Shaohua Chen-Merrett, Fiona Munroe and her Gold Coast Dancers Company have all volunteered their time and talents for this worthy cause.

"I also want to make particular mention of the players of the NRSO. Their immediate willingness to put on a concert free of charge, at such short notice, is heartwarming indeed. I would also like to thank the hard-working committee of the NRSO who never fail to wholeheartedly get behind any endeavour. I would also like to express my appreciation to the Tweed Shire Council for their unstinting support of this fundraising event and finally, I would like to thank you the audience for attending this concert so that in some small way you can show your support to the victims of this horrendous tragedy."

Clean Beach Challenge

The NRSO is a proud participant in the Keep Australia Beautiful Council's "Clean Beach Challenge."  For the second year in a row, an NRSO-sponsored beach has been recognised with an award.

"Part of the vision of the NRSO is that Northern Rivers and Gold Coast people enjoy envious lifestyles" said Barry Singh. "The opportunity to enjoy high quality cultural experiences and our wonderful natural beaches are important reasons why living in this region has become so popular."

The synergy between the Clean Beach Challenge and the Northern Rivers Symphony Orchestra assists to ensure that both our beaches and Orchestra continue to improve into the future.

For additional information about the Clean Beach Challenge, read the article posted by the Gold Coast City Council.

History of NRSO Involvement

(text by John McGrath)

Tweed River Festival

The NRSO is proud of its continuing involvement with the communities of the Tweed River Valley. A recent example was the incorporation of an orchestral program into the 2002 Tweed River Festival. 

"The Russian Program presented at Seagulls as part of the 2002 Tweed River Festival was a great way to celebrate the Tweed River." said Barry Singh. "The beauty of the Tweed River is a central reason why such a talented and culturally appreciative community is emerging across this region ... the NRSO is proud to be a part of the Tweed River Festival."

(text by John McGrath)