A Living Legacy: How mentors help ensemble music flourish in Wollongong

Over the past 20 years, Wollongong has quietly developed a thriving culture of jazz, guitar, flute, and chamber ensembles, shaped by the sustained commitment of local musicians and educators. 

Wollongong Conservatorium of Music has provided a vital physical and artistic hub for nurturing, rehearsing, and sustaining these ensemble traditions for our youth. 

Flute ensembles in the region have flourished under the influence of Suzanne Cowan, whose performance practice and teaching have encouraged collaborative flute playing as a core part of musical development. Guitar ensembles and chamber guitar music have similarly grown through the work of Nigel Jones, whose mentorship has expanded the visibility and ambition of guitar-based ensemble performance.

Jazz has remained a dynamic and essential strand of Wollongong’s musical identity, championed by musicians such as Eric Dunan, whose work has fostered improvisation, experimentation, and community connection.

In the chamber domain, among others, Tanya Phillips and Nigel Edwards have played a significant role through their long association with the BlueScope Youth Orchestra, developing generations of young string and wind players and ensembles.

Music-making in an ensemble is like a team support, fostering collaboration, listening and communication skills. For our youth, it is also an opportunity to build friendships.

Some players go on to careers in national and international performance, and some become teachers. At the same time, for many, music is part of their life journey and a way to connect with the community. 

Wollongong Conservatorium of Music continues to provide not only rehearsal space but a shared cultural home that helps anchor ensemble performance at the heart of Wollongong’s cultural landscape. 

Thanks to all music teachers in Wollongong for their commitment to creating opportunities for young people to engage in the joy of making music.

Emerging Concert Artist Series

Sounds from Afar - Chloe Corbett,  harp, Wollongong Art Gallery on February 5 at 11am.

Join us for Music and Tea at the Gallery and experience the joy of music-making by inspiring emerging performers.

Harpist Chloe Corbett will be presenting a program that explores the tradition of harp music across cultures, including works by lesser-known composers. The harp is an ancient instrument closely associated with both folk traditions and classical repertoire, and this program examines the meeting point of these worlds. The program includes music by Salzedo, Watkins, Camille Saint-Saëns, Henriette Renié, and Pearl Chertok.

Tickets are free (donations appreciated) but bookings are essential, book your spot via Humantix.