The right note

We are pleased to announce the 2021 Peter Sculthorpe Alumnus Award recipient is Tasmanian-born journalist and television presenter, Pip Courtney. Look for the full story within the News from Launceston Grammar 2022 edition.

2020 Peter Sculthorpe Alumnus Award recipient, Don Kay AM with his daughter, Sally at the Senior Campus

The first musician to receive the School’s annual Peter Sculthorpe Alumnus Award is Australian classical composer, Don Kay AM. Originally from Smithton, he attended Launceston Grammar as a boarder from 1944.

His journey since leaving school has been shaped by his love of music and composition. At the University of Melbourne, he studied a Bachelor of Music and continued his study of composition in London. Since his return to Tasmania in 1964, Don has composed over 250 works including operas, symphonies, choral and chamber music which have been performed across Australia and internationally.

In 1990 he was appointed a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia for his service to the Arts, particularly in the field of composition. In the same year he began serving as Head of the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music. At the age of 86, he can still be found composing and mentoring the next generation of Tasmanian composers.

At a School assembly Don challenged Grade 11 and 12 students to find their creative language whether it be through music, film, photography, textiles, or art. He also shared how he is still very much a work in progress.

"This award was really a great surprise and a great delight, and it was so generous of the School, they gave my daughter and myself such a wonderful time,” says Don.

Named after eminent Australian composer and Old Launcestonian Peter Sculthorpe, the award was created in 2015 to honour a member of the Launceston Grammar community who has made a significant achievement within their field of endeavour. The award is also intended to inspire the next generation, providing opportunities for current students to meet, interact with and learn from the award recipient.

Previous recipients include former Australian diplomat Peter FitzGerald, leading scientists Professor Derek Denton and Professor Elizabeth Blackburn, journalist Indira Naidoo and former politician and prominent business leader, the Hon Warwick Smith AO LLB.