Newsletter Issue 4 2014
Georg Mertens in Concert
Touchstones Song Cycle with Andrew Robson & Richard Gill OAM
Mitchell String Quartet recitals
Spring has Sprung! And at the risk of being overly poetic, proof this is the long-awaited blooming of a teaching facility in Parkes. And yes, the premises really are called “Rose House”. The house, with five great studio spaces and plenty of parking, will complement our Forbes office and studios complex, to greater serve the Lachlan division of our operations. Jan Facey, Operation Manager at Lachlan, has all the info for anyone wanting to find out more. Jan will be in touch with all our Parkes based students and staff members soon regarding commencement of teaching from this excitnew facility. And speaking of Lachlan, the new signage has been installed at our Forbes facility, and the damage to the front wall repaired - thanks to Government Property NSW. Thanks also to all our Forbes teaching and learning community for your patience on this one! Another great outcome of Spring finally arriving is the soon to start repainting of the exterior of the Lithgow facility, funded through Annette’s great efforts of sourcing NSW Government Community Building Partnership funding (again!). The weather is critical in these delicate matters (painting externally) and as the weather warms up, the job will commence! Annette (Milroy, that is) has had success with this particular funding source, and Mitchell Con has benefitted greatly. Recent Scholarship auditions, right across the three divisions, were also a great success. Our judges, Phil Braithwaite, Ben Macpherson and Philippa Paige were most impressed, and any of you who auditioned will already have some terrific comments via your teachers.
We had over 70 auditions this year, and some terrific results. We also had an opportunity to dedicate our top scholarship in Bathurst to our late friend and colleague, Gareth Bullock. The Gareth Bullock Memorial Scholarship will now be awarded each year to the highest award winner in Bathurst. In terms of student experiences, Sydney Symphony Playerlink, the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra/NSW Regional Conservatoriums project and the Opera Australia collaboration through BMEC all occurred during this last term. Wow! What a term. Still to come in the schedule this year are the London Symphony Orchestra/Regional Conservatoriums project, the Richard Gill FREE Community Forum (page 5)and more student concerts than you poke a drum stick at. Terrific recent performances from Jane RutRutter, Simon Tedeschi and Yvonne Kenny, the Omega Ensemble (they’ll be back!) and Alturas warmed up the Winter temperatures - and we’re now looking forward to the wonderful Touchstones Song Cycle project with Andrew Robson’s quartet and the inaugural outing of the Mitchell Chamber Orchestra, conducted by the incredible Richard Gill, more details on page 10. The year will come to a close with performances in Bathurst and Gulgong of the Messiah, a perennial favourite featuring our own Bathurst Chamber Orchestra (weren’t they fantastic on tour in Bathurst and Orange!) and our good friends, the Allegri Singers. Continued page 2
Graham Sattler Contents New Parkes Studios Page 2 2015 Scholarship Winners Page 6, 7 Student News Page 8, 9 Upcoming events Page 3, 10 2014 Diary Dates 6 October—Term Four starts Public holiday, check with your teacher about lessons
16 October—Bathurst Friends MeetMeeting 7pm MitCon 17 October—Blayney Scholarship applications close, see website 13 December—Term Four ends
Mitchell Conservatorium Inc │ www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au │ Lithgow Bathurst Lachlan
Newsletter Issue 4 2014 Continued from page 1 Planning for next year, with a greater emphasis on our wonderful resident professional artists is well underway, and core activities such as Schools Workshops and Rock School are firmly positioned as 2015 student priorities, and the return of the Inland Sea of Sound festival, with the Con playing a very prominent part along with BMEC and Musica Viva Countrywide. And finally, a farewell…one of our favourite teachers and performers, Lee Wilcox will be leaving us soon to return to the UK. Lee has been with us at our Bathurst division now for almost two years, and we will be sad to see him go. We do wish him all the best for the next few years of playing, teaching and studying, and we hope to see him back in the Central West in a few years’ time. Any and all of Lee’s students will be notified as to their new teacher/s in due course Enjoy Term Four, and thanks again for all the wonderful support you continue to give this important community music resource. Remember, if there’s anything you’d like to see us do differently, or better… drop us a line. See you all at Reliance Credit Union Carols by Candlelight on Sunday 14 December in Machattie Park—it’s going to be a wonderful, inclusive community event.
Photos of the Mitchell Conservatorium’s new teaching studios in Parkes. Mitchell Conservatorium Inc │ www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au │ Lithgow Bathurst Lachlan
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Newsletter Issue 4 2014
Songs Alive! Featuring seven of Australia’s finest young singers, singing the hits of Broadway, Opera, Operetta and Cabaret: Jessica Westcott - Soprano Michelle Ryan – Soprano Deepka Ratra - Soprano Anna McDougall – Mezzo-Soprano Joshua Oxley – Tenor Joshua Rogers – Baritone Alex Sefton - Baritone Accompanied by Julia de Plater, of the Sydney Conservatorium The Rising Stars company have invited two of our own Mitchell Conservatorium students to perform alongside them at the concert. Liam Auhl taught by Jon Lewis and Julia Boag taught by Graham Sattler will perform solo and ensemble works—come along and support them! 7.30pm Friday 31 October The Orchard Room
MITCHELL CONSERVATORIUM STUDENTS PERFORM AT THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
Four MitCon student musicians were selected to take up the opportunity of a lifetime to rehearse and perform alongside professional musicians from the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House recently. Bathurst students Georgia Sonter cello and Kirsten Jones violin along with Calum Woodrow who studies percussion at MitCon in Lithgow and James McKay who studies clarinet and bassoon at the Lachlan division attended an intensive three days of workshops in Sydney culminating in performing from the orchestra pit in the Joan Sutherland Theatre. The mentoring project, specifically for regional student musicians, was developed and managed by the Association of Regional Conservatoriums of which the Mitchell Con is a member. Mitchell Conservatorium Inc │ www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au │ Lithgow Bathurst Lachlan
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Newsletter Issue 4 2014
MITCHELL CON ON THE SMALL SCREEN Bathurst Real Estate Principal Stacey Whittaker and Southern Cross 10 Producer/Director Grant Taylor made a visit to the Mitchell Conservatorium recently to film a television ad for Bathurst Real Estate. Known for their keen support of a wide range of community activities Bathurst Real Estate proudly sponsor the Con's scholarship program which supports students who consistently show above average musical talent or high potential and are looking to further their study at the Con. Auditions are held annually before an invited adjudicator and are a great opportunity for student musicians to focus their practice and work towards a performance goal. Bursaries are also available to assist those families experiencing continual and genuine financial hardship and are awarded by the Department of Education and Training. Applications, references and a personal interview may be arranged confidentially through the office. The Bathurst Real Estate ad will highlight the range of community organisations that they support. MitCon students Leo Klonis, Ella and Lily Collins performed alongside Stacey in the ad and were fabulous, looking at all times like the next generation of scholarship winners.
TEACHERS STUDIO CONCERTS SUCCESS IN RECENT AMEB EXAMS Name
Grade Instrument
Result
Charlotte Cooper
1
Flute
B
Anna Patmore
2
Flute
B+
Kalinda Robinson
3
Flute
A
George Butler
2
Flute
B+
Sophie Faulkner
2
Saxophone
B
Brianna Kirkness
6
Flute
B
Hamish McIntyre
6
Flute
B+
Emma McCarthy
6
Flute
B+
Adrian Ma
3
Clarinet
A
Courtney Powell
8
Flute
A+
Con students aged 6 – 16, under tutorage of Micheile Houghton Blunt performed to an audience of more than 75 at the Parkes Services Club recently, displaying their talents in piano, poetry and song. Students were commended for the year's achievements; collectively increasing the number of applicants at this year's Forbes Eisteddfod, completion of theoretical & practical AMEB exams and their ongoing efforts in performance in the community. Students had the great opportunity to hear from guest performer Barbara Bruce. Mrs Bruce, a student of the late Miriam Hyde, facilitator and mentor to numerous diploma students of the Lachlan region for 27years, delighted students with works from Rackmaninoff and Scott Joplin. Winner of the studio's House Cup Championship were the Beat on it Beethoven's scoring 13,500 points for their collective efforts and Tully McCahon of Caragabal awarded Highest Achievement for her enormous efforts to her music studies. Contributed by Micheile Houghton Blunt
Congratulations Mitchell Conservatorium Inc │ www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au │ Lithgow Bathurst Lachlan
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Newsletter Issue 4 2014
Your Invitation… Community Music: what is it and why does it matter? (it matters!) Keynote speaker Richard Gill OAM Passionate about music? Love your community? Looking to develop a career in music? Want to meet the tall wiry, white haired dude from ABC TV's Spicks and Specks? Then this event is for you. Join your fellow music makers for a discussion and talk led by Richard Gill OAM. This is a unique opportunity to hear one of Australia’s most admired conductors and musical educators as he delves into the inspiring topic of music for and in our community. Includes live music from local musicians. 2.00pm Sunday 12 October, BMEC 105 William Street Bathurst FREE, RSVP to BMEC Box Office 6333 6161 See Richard Gill in 'community forum' action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeRus3NVbwE&feature=share Richard Gill is one of Australia’s pre-eminent and most admired conductors specialising in opera, musical theatre and vocal and choral training and is internationally respected as a music educator. He is Music Director of Victorian Opera and Artistic Director of the Education Program for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. He has been Artistic Director of Oz Opera, Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, and the Adviser for the Musica Viva In Schools program. Richard has received numerous accolades, including an Order of Australia Medal, the Bernard Heinze Award, Honorary Doctorates from the Edith Cowan UWA and ACU, and the Australia Council’s Don Banks Award.
TEACHERS STUDIO CONCERTS Elena Day-Hakkers’ students recently performed at the Seymour Centre in Bathurst for an enthusiastic audience and also obtained the following Bathurst Eisteddfod results: Nadia Day-Hakker — 1st piano classic repertoire for her age group Xavier Haynes – 1st piano popular and 2nd piano classical repertoire for his age group Zachary Haynes—Junior Piano Champion, 1st post 1900 piano open section, 3rd piano classic repertoire in his age group and 4th piano classic repertoire at the Sydney Eisteddfod Keeran Rajkumar—3rd piano Baroque repertoire for his age group Maggie Chan—2nd pre 1900 piano open section and 1st piano duet with her brother Raymond Raymond Chan - 1st piano popular open section, 2nd piano post 1900 open section and 1st piano duet with his sister Maggie Congratulations! Mitchell Conservatorium Inc │ www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au │ Lithgow Bathurst Lachlan
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Newsletter Issue 4 2014
2015 MITCHELL CONSERVATORIUM BATHURST SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS AWARDED TO
INSTRUMENT
TEACHER
SPONSOR
Courtney Powell
Flute
Phil Braithwaite
Gareth Bullock Memorial
Aidan McBurney
Trombone
Oliver Harris
Thompson Enterprises
Hamish McIntyre
Clarinet
Zari Newell
Cello
Georg Mertens
Bathurst Friends
Elizabeth Talbot
Clarinet
Rosemarie Barnes
Bathurst Spring Spectacular
Kirsten Jones
Voice
Jonathan Lewis
Rotary Club of Bathurst
Baden Sinclair Emma Russell
Voice Trumpet
Sarah Walls
Violin
Nicholas Newell
Bathurst Friends
Emma McCarthy
Flute
Phil Braithwaite
Bathurst Friends
Emelia Inwood
Clarinet
Rosemarie Barnes
Bathurst Friends
George Sargent
Voice
Jonathan Lewis
Bathurst Friends
Zachary Haynes
Piano
Elena Day-Hakker
Piano Direction
Anthony Tran
Piano
Pam Roering
Piano Direction
Melanie Lo
Piano
Pam Roering
Piano Direction
Hannah McCarthy
Violin
Nicholas Newell
ITP Bathurst
Bobbi Ralls
Voice
Michelle Griffin
Bathurst Real Estate
Prudence Inwood
Violin
Fiona Thompson
Lions Club of Bathurst Rotary Club of Bathurst East
Jacob George
Voice
Julia Romano
Raine & Horne
Patrick Selmes
Voice
Jonathan Lewis
Jonathan & Maureen Lewis
Louise Hill
Voice
Michelle Griffin
Bathurst Friends
Maximilian Kendrick
Voice
Michelle Griffin
Bathurst Friends
Elijah Kendrick
Violin
Nicholas Newell
Bathurst Friends
Ava Pickup
Piano
Michelle Griffin
Bathurst Friends
Ryley Davison
Drums
Lee Wilcox
Bathurst Friends
Niamh McLean
Violin
Nicholas Newell
Bathurst Friends
Bethany Carter
Voice
Michelle Griffin
Rolf Stuebe Memorial
Xavier Haynes
Piano
Elena Day-Hakker
Bathurst Friends Encouragement Award
Anna Patmore
Piano
Cindy Fox
Bathurst Friends Encouragement Award
Bathurst Friends
Rotary Club of Bathurst Daybreak Bathurst Friends
Congratulations Mitchell Conservatorium Inc │ www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au │ Lithgow Bathurst Lachlan
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Newsletter Issue 4 2014
2015 MITCHELL CONSERVATORIUM LITHGOW SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS AWARDED TO
INSTRUMENT
TEACHER
SPONSOR
Callum Woodrow Adrian Ma
Xylophone Piano
Jamie Briton Annie Burbank
Mitchell Conservatorium Lithgow City Council
Patrick Woodrow Silas Burbank Wei Qi Yin Joshua Mason Marni Brown Lisa Allan
Piano Guitar Cello Violin Piano Voice
Annie Burbank Graeme Hunt Peter Avery Annie Burbank Helen Williams
Lithgow City Council Mitchell Conservatorium Maureen Newell Memorial Lithgow Friends Lithgow Friends Lithgow Friends
Eliza Kelly
Violin
Andrew Baker
Mitchell Conservatorium
2015 MITCHELL CONSERVATORIUM LACHLAN SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS Charlie Umbers Nicholas Toole
Piano Saxophone
Lyndal Isbester Justin Screen
Barbara Bruce Uli Bracken
Hannah Blunt
Piano
Micheile Blunt
Lachlan Friends
Matthias Kelly
Viola
Andrew Baker
Lachlan Friends
Congratulations EISTEDDFOD SUCCESS Mitchell Conservatorium's commitment to excellence among its students was highlighted recently at the Orange Eisteddfod on 21 August 2014 when Anna Ossig-Bonanno entered several of her recorder students into the competition. Among them were Anna's three adult recorder students – Ingrid Pulley, Carmel Spark and Monique van Toor who formed an ensemble together for the first time to compete in the Open Recorder Ensemble section, with Joel Kimbel and Anna Ossig-Bonanno joining them to make up a quintet. It was the first time that the adults have performed in a public competition, and only the second time they have played together in public, but their mutual love of the recorder helped them quickly form an affinity essential for any successful ensemble group. The group played two pieces by Telemann, Largo and Le Plaisir, impressing the judges with their interpretation of the music and their solid rapport as an ensemble. The ensemble were delighted to be announced as the winners of the Open Recorder Ensemble. It has given them confidence as performers and musicians, and they are now looking forward to rehearsing together for their next event. A big thank you from her students to Anna; her direct, enthusiastic teaching style gives us all the confidence to master our instruments and play better than we thought we could. Contributed by Ingrid Pulley
Mitchell Conservatorium Inc │ www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au │ Lithgow Bathurst Lachlan
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Newsletter Issue 4 2014
NEW STRING LEARNING GROUP AT THE MITCHELL CONSERVATORIUM The Mitchell Conservatorium in Bathurst is on the way to introducing a new program for instrumental beginners - based on a very simple, enormously successful, but rarely introduced step-by-step process. Children interested in cello and violin are welcome to contact the Mitchell Con to express an interest in taking part. And this is how it works: during the first months students don't take their instruments home! This might sound a bit strange, but observations show that it is virtually impossible for a total beginner to keep in mind how to approach their instrument in the first lesson. Once at home beginners find their own way to play, and usually it takes to the late teens before a student will be capable to have enough body control to correct mistakes from early wrong habits that can occur. Contrary to this drawback, children could have the possibility to play freer than an adult. But this too is based on comfort on the instrument and doing things the right way. In the new program students will participate in a group lesson until the teacher is satisfied with their way of playing. At this stage the student can hire or buy an instrument, take private lessons and have a very good chance that their future learning is successful. Sessions will be available, from Term four, for Cello and Violin beginner children. Sessions will be in small groups, 45 minutes in duration, at a cost of $13.75 per session. Sessions will be scheduled for Mondays at 3:30pm. Please contact Nicholas Newell, Strings Coordinator, at nicholas.newell@mitchellconservatorium.edu.au for more details. Gordon Richter (1st from left) participating in Playerlink 2014
Aidan McBurney (3rd from left) participating in Playerlink 2014
MITCON STUDENTS OUT AND ABOUT
Thomas Press and Harrex Upton practice for the Orange Eisteddfod
Courtney Powell (1st from left) participating in Playerlink 2014
Mitchell Conservatorium Inc │ www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au │ Lithgow Bathurst Lachlan
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Newsletter Issue 4 2014
Student News Congratulations to Thomas Press and Harrex Upston 1st place 10 yrs and under Instrumental Duet and Jacob George, Thomas Press and Harrex Upston 2nd place in the 12 yrs and under Recorder Group at the Orange Eisteddfod.
Congratulations Bathurst Junior Recorder Ensemble for 1st place in the Recorder Group Junior Primary and Thomas Press and Harrex Upston 2nd place 12 years and under Recorder Duo, Gulgong Eisteddfod.
Want to learn the ukulele? Join one of the ongoing ukulele ensembles lead by Jenelle Coady at the Lachlan division 6852 3766 or Michelle Griffin at the Bathurst division 6331 6622. Call us for session times and fee info.
Congratulations to Courtney Powell winner of the Open Classic Woodwind Solo, Gus Auguszczak Memorial Woodwind championship 14 yrs and over, 2nd Tom Bonic Open Flute Concerto, Most Promising Woodwind or Brass Player 13 to 20 Years, at the recent Bathurst Eisteddfod and A Plus Grade 8 AMEB Flute. Well done Courtney and a great recognition of your efforts!
Congratulations to Claudia Campbell and Oscar Simeonidis 3rd place in the Recorder Duet at the Orange Eisteddfod. Congratulations to Miranda Campbell, Emily Press and Maximillian Kendrick 2nd in the Recorder Trio in the Orange Eisteddfod
Spring Spectacular in October will play host to our MitCon ensembles. We look forward to making music in the sunshine again this year! Mitchell Conservatorium Musicians @ All Saints Cathedral Lunchtime Concerts Series for 2014 has again been a successful series of concerts for staff and students performers. Any ensemble or soloists who would like to book a performance slot for the 2015 season please speak with your Teacher. All Teachers can email Projects and Communications Manager Christine Sweeney with their requests. Concerts are on at 1pm on the first Wednesday of each month from February to November at All Saints Cathedral, Bathurst.
Congratulations to the following MitCon Recorder students: Liam Kimbel 2nd 10 yrs and under, Liam Kimbel and Charlie Ciccocioppo Highly Commended, Joel Kimbel and Jake Ciccocioppo 1st Gulgong Eisteddfod. Orange Eisteddfod results: Liam Kimbel Highly Commended open section Grade 1-3, 3rd 12yrs and under, Liam and Jennifer Kimbel 1st in the 14yrs and under Recorder Duo. Current Scholarship students are required to assist at Mitcon events and concerts through out the year— if you are a scholarship holder and have not yet registered to assist please do so as soon as you can, we need assistance at the upcoming concerts in October and November.
Anna Ossig-Bonanno’s Second Grade musicianship students all achieved excellent results in recent exams: Liam Kimbel 94% Charlie Ciccocioppo 93% Kacey Fox 90% Maximillian Kendrick 90% Samuel Lloyd 90% Graison Barratt 87%
Mitchell Young Strings in Bathurst is looking for new members - lessons are 45 minutes per fortnight and cost $8.05 per session. Led by string teacher Fiona Thompson. To enrol or for more information call the office on 6331 6622.
Well done to all the MitCon students (and their teachers) selected for the Association of Regional Conservatoriums player opportunity with the London Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House in November. We look forward to photos and feedback!
Adult Recorder Ensemble sessions are planned to start in Term Four, please call 6331 6622 to enrol now. Date Change The 2014 Composition Competition will be calling for entries from Monday 1 December and closing in early 2015. The winning entry will be performed live on May 17 2015 at a combined concert at BMEC. Application forms will be available from reception or the MitCon website from late November. Entrants will be required to write music to selected lyrics as part of the “ What Bathurst means to me…” poetry/lyrics competition run by Bathurst Library. Cost per entry: $20 Email your news to : christine.sweeney
Well done!
@mitchellconservatorium.edu.au
Mitchell Conservatorium Inc │ www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au │ Lithgow Bathurst Lachlan
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Newsletter Issue 4 2014
2014 Mitchell Conservatorium Concert Series Mitchell Conservatorium Musicians @ All Saints Cathedral Lunchtime Concerts Series MitCon's Brass Boys ensemble, directed by Oliver Harris presents the best of brass compositions. Pull up a pew!
1.00pm Wednesday 1 October 2014
Touchstones Song Cycle conducted by Richard Gill Commissioned by MitCon and composed by Andrew Robson, this song cycle was especially written for the Andrew Robson Trio and the Mitchell Conservatorium Chamber Orchestra. Celebrate local, live music at its best.
7.30pm Saturday 11 October Orange Regional Conservatorium, Hill Street Orange 7.30pm Sunday 12 October All Saints Cathedral, Church Street Bathurst 3.00pm Sunday 19 October Sydney Conservatorium Tickets: Adults $30, Concession $20, Family of four $80 MitCon & ORC school aged students FREE
Community Event Community Music – What is it and why does it matter? Community forum lead by Richard Gill OAM. Come along to be entertained, informed and add your voice and all things community and music. Includes live music from local musicians and MC’d by ABC local radio personality Angela Owens.
2.00pm Sunday 12 October 2014
Rising Stars Featuring seven of Australia’s finest young singers, singing the hits of Broadway, Opera, Operetta and Cabaret. Includes guest performances from Bathurst’s own rising stars!
7.30pm Friday 31 October 2014 The Orchard Room Mitchell Conservatorium, Russell Street Bathurst Tickets: Adults $30, Concession $25, under 12 years FREE
Handel’s Messiah Allegri singers, conducted by William Moxey with the Bathurst Chamber Orchestra, The Willoughby Singers and Cudgegong Choir celebrate All Saints Day with a performance of Handel’s timeless Messiah.
3.00pm Sunday 2 November 2014 All Saint’s Cathedral Church Street Bathurst Tickets at the door: Adults $25, Concession $20 MitCon school aged students FREE
Georg Mertens – solo cello in concert With a program of his own original compositions and well known composers Dowland, DeFalla, Albenz and Villa-Lobos, Georg Mertens transports audiences with his exquisite cello playing and sublime performance.
3.00pm Sunday 16 November 2014 The Orchard Room Mitchell Conservatorium Russell Street Tickets: Adults $20, Concession/U3A $15, Children $10 School aged FREE
Mitchell String Quartet Andrew Baker violin, Nicholas Newell violin, Fiona Thompson viola and Sybbi Georgiou cello perform Hayden’s Fifths, Schubert’s Quartet-Satz and Dvorak’s American Quartet. Join us for an exciting night of chamber music.
7.30pm Saturday 29 November 2014 The Orchard Room Mitchell Conservatorium Russell Street Tickets: Adults $20, Concession/U3A $15, Children $10 MitCon school aged students FREE
Reliance Credit Union Carols by Candlelight Mitchell Conservatorium invites you to sing along to Christmas favourites with the Bathurst City & RSL Bands and the Allegri Singers. Special appearance by Santa. Bring along the whole family!
Sunday 14 December 2014 6.00pm musical entertainment 7.00pm official welcome The Rotunda Machattie Park FREE
All Saint’s Cathedral Church Street Bathurst Tickets: FREE donations accepted to cover venue heating costs
Bathurst Memorial entertainment Centre FREE to all the community Please RSVP to BMEC Box Office 6333 6161 For more information call 6331 6622
Candles and merchandise will be for sale on the night.
Mitchell Conservatorium Inc │ www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au │ Lithgow Bathurst Lachlan
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