Our musical past

By Local Studies librarian Jo Oliver

When we think of the Illawarra, music may not be the first thing which comes to mind. But the area has a strong musical history. Local Aboriginal groups have always used music and rhythm as part of their ceremonies and a new generation are learning this part of culture today from elders.

Local bands and choirs have been a community activity since the early days of European settlement. Many different cultures have brought their musical traditions to the area when they emigrated.

The Wollongong Conservatorium of Music celebrated 50 years in the area in 2022 and has provided lessons and performance opportunities for children and adults. Richard Tognetti, now Artistic Director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Lead Violin, trained there as a teenager.

Local theatre groups such as Arcadians have staged musicals since 1964. Country music festivals were held in Helensburgh and the Illawarra Folk Festival at Bulli returned this year. Blues, jazz and rock festivals have been held in the area’s halls and parks. There has even been opera in the pub.

Wollongong Library got on the bandwagon in the late 1950s and began a collection of LP records for borrowing. This progressed to tapes and now CDs in many different musical genres as well as DVDs of concerts and performances.

If you have any great images of music events in the area you’d be willing to share, contact the Local Studies Team at Wollongong Library at localhistory@wollongong.nsw.gov.au

From top: Arcadians production, The Sound of Music, 1990 (P27416); Filipino community members 1992 (P24818); Aboriginal performers at Wollongong University (P26100); Country music festival, Helensburgh 1981 (P24897). Photos from the collections of Wollongong City Libraries