Ulumbarra new home for orchestral magic

FIVE years ago, Bendigo Symphony Orchestra set out to make Ulumbarra theatre their home, and last Sunday they realised their dream.

As part of celebrations marking the event a performance of Scheherazade Op.35 by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov was delivered from brand-new chairs purchased with $60,000 donated by the Ulumbarra Foundation, McKern family, and BSO.

BSO raised $40,000 through donations from orchestra members, and president Nigel McGuckian said it was made possible by the Ulumbarra Foundation.

“The Ulumbarra Foundation has tax deductible status, so people made the donation to the foundation and then that was passed through to the orchestra,” he said.

Mr McGuckian also said one donation came from the family of Colin and Marjorie Bubb.

“Colin Bubb was a really important member of the orchestra and his daughter Alison donated towards the chairs,” he said.

Chair of Ulumbarra Theatre, Carolyn Stanford, said support from the Foundation and McKern family had helped enhance the BSO’s local cultural presence.

“This equipment purchase further supports the orchestra’s growth and aligns with the Foundation’s purpose to benefit the development and delivery of performing arts at Bendigo’s unique arts venues,” she said.

A performance partnership between BSO and Bendigo Venues and Events has enabled the new equipment to be permanently stored at Ulumbarra Theatre.

“It’s part of a big picture,” Mr McGuckian said. “We now have our concerts booked to play at Ulumbarra Theatre until the end of 2025.

“So Ulumbarra Theatre is effectively our home, and the chairs will enable us to have comfort while we play, because they’re proper concert chairs.”

The acquisition of the new concert equipment and launch of their 2024 program signifies a new era for the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra.

“In the last five years the orchestra has grown to full strength, so we’re about 60 players,” said Mr McGuckian.

“All the positions are filled by really top-quality musicians, we’ve got a big string section, a full brass section, and a wonderful theatre to play in, and now great seats to sit on.”

BSO’s next performance will be Ebbs & Flows conducted by Luke Severn on 25 and 26 November.

Tickets and details of the 2024 program can be found on the Bendigo Venues and Events website.