You’ve got a Friend in me
- Behind the Scenes
- From our friends
Since their founding in 1988, the Friends of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra have played an invaluable role in the orchestra’s community. With focuses on musical enjoyment, fundraising, and the development of young artists, the Friends have raised over half a million dollars in donations to the ASO in just over three decades – an incredible effort for a volunteer-led organisation.
Along with their Musical Chair support for Principal 2nd Violin Alison Heike and Principal Percussion Steven Peterka, the Friends are members of the ASO’s Conductors’ Circle, which brings them in close contact with visiting artists. They also fundraise for the purchase and maintenance of instruments and equipment at Grainger Studio. Not limited to the ASO, the Friends also support the Adelaide Youth Orchestra, nurturing professional musicians of the future.
A lively calendar of concerts, luncheons, and various functions and activities keeps the Friends busy, providing enrichment and community to its members.
We spoke with President Hon David Wotton AM and Vice President Ann Lloyd, to learn more about why they love helping the orchestra.
When did you join the Friends of the ASO, and what prompted you to do so?
David: I joined FASO in 2008, and became a member of the Management Committee in 2010. I attended my first ASO concert with my mother when I was 16, and have loved classical music in general, and the ASO in particular, ever since.
Ann: I lived in the country when my children were small and joined the Friends as a way to support the Orchestra when I couldn’t travel to concerts. I then re-joined the Friends about 10 years ago, after I retired – my daughter had a connection to the Orchestra, and made me aware of their events.
What keeps you involved in the FASO community?
Ann: I keep coming back because I love doing practical things that make a difference, and to make wonderful music available to a wider audience. Right now, I’m involved in organising events, preparing concert programs, liaising with players about their biographies and repertoire. I’m also writing the FASO newsletter! It’s lovely to share beautiful music with others, and to feel like I’m contributing to the Orchestra.
David: I enjoy every moment of my involvement with the players and staff of the Orchestra and love the opportunity to join with people who also enjoy beautiful music. I also feel that it is very important to financially assist the Orchestra.
What would you say to someone who was thinking of volunteering as a member of FASO?
David: I invite people to enrich their musical interests, add beautiful low-cost concerts to their musical diary, and widen their social network – all while assisting in raising valuable funds to secure the ASO’s future. We would love to see you at our events!
Ann: I would say: just do it! There is so much to gain, from music, to friendship with other music lovers, light refreshments after our concerts, fun at our quiz nights, and delicious food and music at our annual luncheon.
Volunteering to join the committee has also brought so much to my life. Each individual brings their own skills to the table, helping with fundraising and event planning. There is an intrinsic satisfaction to these things, as well as the life-enhancing friendships you can make along the way.