ANNUAL

2019-20REPORT CITY RECITAL HALL LIMITED 1 CONTENTS

3 STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK 4 ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS 5 CHAIR’S MESSAGE 6 CEO’S MESSAGE 7 PRESENTING PARTNERS AND HIRERS 8 APPEARING ON OUR STAGE 10 VISITOR EXPERIENCES 11 SUPPORT FOR THE SECTOR 12 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 13 CITY RECITAL HALL PRESENTS 15 KEY PRESENTERS 16 VENUE HIRERS 17 PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS 18 GIVING 19 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 20 BOARD 22 STAFF

Concert: Considering Matthew Shepard Photo: Robert Catto

Front Cover Photo: Maria Prada Photography

2 STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

Concert: Echoes of the Jazz Age Photo: Maria Boyadgis

VISION OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES STRATEGIC GOALS To be one of the ‘must visit’ cultural AND VALUES BRAND destinations in . • Progressive thinking and creative City Recital Hall is a place that offers excellence underpin everything we do. “music and more” to a wide audience MISSION We think outside the square to deliver unique and creative experiences for PLACE To unlock the cultural, social and our artists, partners and audiences. The beating cultural heart of the economic value of City Recital Hall. CBD • Democratic and diverse - Everyone We will do this by: plays an important part, every voice is QUALITY heard, everyone is respected. If it’s on at City Recital Hall, it must be • producing, promoting, presenting, We champion diversity by engaging good encouraging and facilitating excellent with all genres, all peoples, all ideas. cultural events; We are proud to be open, transparent SERVICE and inclusive. • ensuring diversity of users, audiences City Recital Hall is an excellently run arts and programs; • Playful - We love exploring ideas and company with a talented, passionate • engaging new audiences; and opportunities in a fun and creative and flexible team that goes above and cultural environment. beyond • operating and managing the venue responsibly and sustainably, and in • We must be connected locally, TRUST cooperation with stakeholders. nationally and internationally with our City Recital Hall is financially sustainable, artists, partners and audiences. and strongly supported by the City of • We act with integrity and Sydney and a loyal group of members, professionalism at all times. sponsors and donors

3 ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS

TOTAL AUDIENCE FACEBOOK TOTAL REACH ATTENDANCE 2,391,460 FACEBOOK TOTAL IMPRESSIONS 126,574 3,722,453 TOTAL PERFORMANCES FACEBOOK TOTAL VIDEO VIEWS AND EVENTS: WEBSITE 206 147,500 TOTAL UNIQUE AUDIENCES TWEET IMPRESSIONS TOTAL RECORDINGS AND 250,300 BROADCASTS: 373,000 TOTAL SESSIONS 24 INSTAGRAM REACH 1,294,893 PERFORMANCES FEATURING CITY RECITAL HALL TV INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS/ 56,189 COMMERCIAL SCREENED ENSEMBLES: INSTAGRAM VIDEO VIEWS 596,950 54 2,910 TIMES ON SBS ON-DEMAND CRH PRESENTS CONCERTS AND EVENTS:

75 CHILDREN AND SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES TOTAL AUDIENCE FOR CRH UNIVERSITIES CONCERTS AND EVENTS: 2% 2% WORDS AND IDEAS 32,806 4% CITY RECITAL HALL ACTIVE MEMBERS OTHER

493 5% PERCENTAGE OF ARTS CHORAL AND CULTURAL EVENTS: 5%

93% CLASSICAL COMMUNITY 46% 8%

CONTEMPORARY 29%

4 CHAIR’S MESSAGE

First and foremost, our thoughts and While the year has been an interrupted We are immensely grateful for the City of well wishes go to every individual of the one, we saw strong growth in Sydney's ongoing support in a renewed Australian performing arts industry who programming activity with 206 concerts five-year funding agreement as our have been impacted so significantly by and events achieving a combined total Principal Sponsor. This commitment COVID-19. City Recital Hall has a proud audience attendance of 126,574. We allows us to continue to provide residents history of presenting our country's finest closed City Recital Hall temporarily on and visitors to Sydney the experience of musicians and performers and we take 16th March 2020. The Board and I want world class acoustics and performances solace knowing the music they have to particularly thank our work colleagues in the very heart of our city. Our sincere streamed into our homes over recent for their support during these dark gratitude to the Lord Mayor of Sydney, months will shortly return, as live concert months. They have tirelessly worked to Clover Moore and Concillors of City of experiences, to the City Recital Hall stage. maintain our organisation and we are Sydney for their encouragement and extremely grateful for these efforts. We advocacy for our success in managing We farewelled Elaine Chia in February reopened on 5th September 2020 and this key cultural asset. after four years as CEO of City Recital now look forward to the return of all our Hall with heartfelt thanks for her Key Presenters – Australian Chamber distinguished service as our inaugural Orchestra, Australian Brandenburg CEO since January 2016. The artistic Orchestra, , Pinchgut Opera and organisational foundations Elaine and Sydney Symphony Orchestra – in the developed are again reflected in months ahead. this report and are testament to her dedication and passion for our growth. We continue to reach new audiences We warmly welcomed Justin Boschetti to with our valued media partners TimeOut Renata Kaldor AO the position in May and we look forward and The Saturday Paper and we to the future direction of City Recital Hall acknowledge SBS for their three years under Justin's leadership. of partnership as well as our continued corporate partners AV1, JPJ Audio, Chalk Our positive financial result for 2020, a Hill and Claymore Wines facilitated by surplus of $284,500, is a direct result of Fisher Fine Wines and Young Henrys. the company's profitable programming activity in the first three quarters of the It is a great honour to work with a Board reporting year along with our diligent of Directors whose valued counsel reserves policy and conservative budget continues to ensure City Recital Hall's forecasting. The Board of Directors have ongoing cultural, social and economic therefore assured City Recital Hall Limited viability. In 2019, the Board welcomed as a going concern and recognise the Rachel Launders and Paul Mason and Australian Government's JobKeeper we farewelled Maria Sykes, Elizabeth subsidy as a vital underpinning of our Fullerton and Helen Bauer. I thank them operational and financial sustainability at all for their dedication and express warm this time. appreciation for their service over the years.

5 CEO’S MESSAGE

It was a great honour to be appointed And, in January, following the devastating helped me to continually look forward as the CEO in May, and a privilege to impact of the summer bushfires, Sydney and plan for the future at the other side of be entrusted by the Board to continue musicians joined forces to support of our the current crisis. the musical legacy of City Recital Hall. relief concert Music For Our Country to This year saw the completion of a raise funds for community and wildlife The last year has highlighted the passion strategic plan and funding cycle and recovery efforts. My sincere thanks to all of the City Recital Hall team who are so we look forward to a new period of who so generously gave of their time and deeply committed to the mission of our success presenting, producing and talent for this event. company and who continually exceed supporting musical excellence for our expectations to ensure we always deliver current and future audiences. 2020 The sudden impact of COVID-19 on for our audiences and artists. I would will be remembered as year of two the arts sector and society cannot also like to thank Elaine Chia for her halves, and although our operation has be ignored. The suspension of live leadership and commitment during the been required to pause, this report performance in March left a void in the past four years as CEO. Elaine’s vision gives us an opportunity to pay tribute lives of artists and concertgoers. The has both expanded City Recital Hall’s to the successes of our team who most successful year in City Recital offering and broadened our audiences. have worked to ensure the Company’s Hall’s history was cut abruptly short Finally, I would like to personally thank the vibrancy. by the pandemic, though with careful management and the generosity of our artists and audience members who have The year saw many programming donors and audiences, we look forward trusted City Recital Hall to deliver the joy highlights including our 20th to returning to live performance soon. and beauty of live music during the last anniversary event celebrations on 30 year. As custodians of this magnificent October 2019. The day saw a range Our Principal Sponsor, City of Sydney, venue, we exist for our artists and of activities from back of house tours, continues to provide essential support audiences. I look forward to welcoming a talk by venue architect, Andrew and I extend my thanks to the Lord Mayor you back. Andersons AO, and a televised of Sydney, Clover Moore and Concillors Sydney Flash Mob Choir, culminating of City of Sydney, Monica Barone, Bill in a specially curated performance Carter and all the staff across the Creative by Megan Washington supported City and Property teams. by Electric Fields, Topolgy and Luke I would like to acknowledge the Howard. The return of new music commitment, hard-work and leadership festival Extended Play transformed of the Board, especially acknowledge the venue into multiple performance the tireless dedication of Renata Kaldor spaces for almost 100 artists across Justin Boschetti AO. Renata has been an invaluable twelve hours featuring international guide during the last few months and has new piano musician Margaret Leng Tan.

6 PRESENTING PARTNERS AND HIRERS

ABC Radio Good Egg Creative Suncorp Abstract Entertainment Hoang Pham Sydney Festival Arts Communication, Finance Industries Human Synergistics Australia Sydney Philharmonia Choirs and Property Services (ACFIPS) Incognito Events Sydney Symphony Orchestra Andrew McKinnon Presents John Cristian Productions Sydney Writers' Festival Artology Leichhardt Espresso Chorus Sydney Youth Orchestra Australian Brandenburg Orchestra Live Nation The Harbour Agency Australian Chamber Orchestra Meriden School Trinity Grammar School Australian Directors Guild Minter Ellison Troubadour Music Australia Australian Haydn Ensemble Moore College University of NSW Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra Musica Viva Australia University of Tasmania Australian NSW Ambulance WME Entertainment Australian World Orchestra NSW Education Standards Authority World Projects South Pacific Australian Writers Guild NSW Ministry of Health Zurich Financial Services Australia Camelot Lounge Omega Ensemble Chugg Entertainment Origin Energy David Jones Penney & Logan Destination NSW Pinchgut Opera Fane Productions Australia RAZ Music Concert: Indies and Idols performed Giant Entertainment Selby & Friends by Australian Chamber Orchestra Gondwana Choirs Spacious Sky Music College

7 APPEARING ON OUR STAGE

Alexandre da Costa with Jean-Philippe Decibel Rathbone, Josie Ryan, Kathryn Selby AM, Sylvestre Doug Parkinson Veronique Serret, Koen van Stade, Alex Waite Dr. Rebecca Gelding with Sarah Toth Sally Walker, Sally Whitwell and hosted by Margaret Throsby Alistair Campbell Dr. V's Swing Thing Hoang Pham Angie McMahon Auckland Youth Choir, Guam Territorial Anthony Pasquill Emily Granger with Tim Brigden Band, Hong Kong Youth Symphony Archie Roach with Paul Grabowsky, Sally Emily Sun with Clemens Leske Orchestra, John XXIII College Chamber Dastey and Emma Donovan Garrick Ohlsson Choir Seri Puteri Symphonic Winds and Athésia Geoffrey Lancaster Shenzhen Nanshan Chinese International Australian Brandenburg Orchestra College Choir George Ellis with Morgan Balfour, Emma Black, Intercurrent Brandenburg Choir, Xavier de Maistre, Georgie Williamson with Heathcliffe Jayson Gillham Annie Gard, Christian Li, Matthew Auchinachie Machester and Madison Nonoa Gondwana Choirs John Bell with Simon Tedeschi and Blazey Best Australian Chamber Orchestra with Guy Noble Julia Donaldson with Malcolm Donaldson Australian National Academy of Music, Halcyon Brett Dean, Erin Helyard, Dejan Lazić and Julian Day Helen Garner Lior Justine Clarke Music For Our Country with William Australian Romantic and Classical Barton, James Burke, Luke Byrne, Kammerklang Orchestra with The Idea of North and Tamara Cislowska, Taryn Fiebig, Christine with Paul Grabowsky Jakob Lehmann Johnston, Erin Helyard, Elena Kats- Kathryn Selby AM Australian String Quartet Chernin, Andrew O'Connor, Helena Australian World Orchestera with David Berlin, Natalie Chee, Andra Darzins, Daniel Dodds, Tahlia Petrosian and Julia Thompson Back Akademie Australia Ben Marshall Brandon Dodd Cameron Jones Trio Choir of King's College Cambridge with Umberto Clerici and Alice Giles Christina Mimmocchi with Jess Ciampa Damian Wright with Bandaluzia

Concert: Considering Matthew Shepard Photo: Robert Catto 8 Kathryn Selby AM with Andrew Haveron, Nevermind Steve Kilbey with George Ellis Elena Kats-Chernan, Daniel Dodds, Ben Nexas Quartet Steve Murphy with Javier Pena Mellefont, Richard Narroway, Clancy Nicole Car with Etienne Dupuis and Sydney Chamber Choir with Sam Newman, Susie Park, Julian Smiles, Emily Jayson Gillham Allchurch, Stephanie Dillon, Andrew Sunm Harry Ward and Timo-Veikko Valve Nonsemble Goodwin, Amy Moore, Andrew O'Connor Kiki Dee with Carmelo Luggeri and The Muffat Collective Northern Beaches Chorus, The Jubilate LC Beats Chamber Choir, Endearvour Harmony Sydney Children's Choir Leichardt Espresso Chorus chorus, Rover City Voices, Bondi Sings Sydney Philharmonia Choirs Sydney Cabaret Festival with Trevor Community Choir, Soulfood A Capella, Sydney Symphony Orchestra Ashley with Jonathan Biggins, Tim Draxl, Voice Male, Central Coast Ukulele Club with Kirill Gerstein and Paul Lewis Frisky and Mannish, Lily Goodfellow, Choi, Cultural Commune Sydney, The Jennifer Holiday, Alison Jear, Natalie Joy Vocal Company [Nepean CAPA High Sydney Youth Orchestra Johnson, Reuben Kaye, Brian Nash, Phil School], ParkinSong Synergy with Polymorphic Orkestra Scott and Kim David Smith Oliver Shermacher Taikoz with Jess Ciampa Lloyd Cole Omega Ensemble with Brett Brown, Daughters with Tammy Brennan with Lolo Lovina David Greco, Gordon Hamilton, Sally Moo Baulch, Andrea Durbach, Aivale High Standards with Cath Alcorn, Whitwell and Timothy Reynolds Carrasco and Leni Phillipe-Janon. Tom Burlinson, David Campbell, Kate Paco Peña Tanya Sparke with Henry Junor Ceberano, Alinta Chidzey, Jane Cho, Patty Griffin Tenebrae Rodger Corder, Tania Doko, Michael Paul Jarman with Kate Johnson The Australian Voices Falzon, iOTA, , , , Zahra Newman and Paul McDermott with Stephen Gates The Idea of North with Kai Kitamura Emma Pask Pinchgut Opera with Jacqueline Dark, The Milk Carton Confessions Margaret Leng Tan Taryn Fiebig, Christopher Lowrey, Michael The Nano Symphony Petruccelli, Timothy Reynolds , Max Riebl Mark Manson Tom Burlinson and Helen Sherman Megan Washington with Electric Fields, UNSW New Music Collective Prof. Sandra Garrido, Dr. Sandra Garrido, Luke Howard and Topology Nick Begbie, Jess Ciampa, Naomi Crellin Valer Sabadus with Orchestra of the Michelle Leonard with Bev Kennedy and Glenn Rhodes Antipodes and Erin Helyard Miles Merrill with Moe Clark and Melanie Prof. Toby Walsh, Charlton Hill and Justin Vince Jones and The Astral Orchestra Munungurr-Williams, Shave William Zappa with Patrick Dickson Mirusia with the Original Seekers: Athol Robyn Archer Yanis Varoufakis with Bart van Es Guy, Keith Potger, Bruce Woodley and Skride Piano Quartet Yaron Hallis with Jess Ciampa Michael Cristiano Sonya Lifschitz with Christine Johnston Zephyr Quartet Mojo Juju Speak Percussion Nat Grant

Concert: Music For Our Country 9 Photo: Anthony Browell VISITOR EXPERIENCE

WHAT WAS YOUR OVERALL OPINION OF THE EVENT/CONCERT?

EXCELLENT 80%

42%NEW TICKET BUYERS AT CITY RECITAL HALL GOOD 16% PRESENTS PERFORMANCES

AVERAGE 3% BELOW AVERAGE 1%

HOW SATISFIED WERE YOU WITH YOUR EXPERIENCE?

QUALITY OF EVENT

AMBIENCE AND ATMOSPHERE

QUALITY OF REFRESHMENTS

VARIETY OF REFRESHMENTS

PRE-EVENT INFORMATION PROVIDED

TICKET PURCHASE EXPERIENCE

CUSTOMER SERVICE AT THE VENUE

VERY SATISFIED SATISFIED NEITHER SATISFIED OR DISSATISFIED DISSATISFIED VERY DISSATISFIED

10 SUPPORT FOR THE SECTOR

TRAINING AND EMERGING ARTISTS EXTERNAL VENUES PROFESSIONAL We continue to pursue opportunities to City Recital Hall provides customer DEVELOPMENT engage with emerging artists to support support and online services to 14 events City Recital Hall is committed to their musical careers and introduce these presented by Sydney based not-for-profit fostering the arts professionals of the artists to our audiences. organizations including St James Church, future through formal traineeships, St Mary’s Cathedral and Sydney Town Our Extended Play festival featured and to supporting our sector through Hall, facilitating the ticketing requirenents emerging artists from the UNSW New participation in professional development of 11,233 audience members. Music Collective opportunities. We continued our partnership with Word INDUSTRY MEMBERSHIP In conjunction with AV1, Apprenticeship Travels to present the Australian Poetry We are proud to be members of the Careers Australia, and ACFIPS, Morgan Slam CBD Heat and My Dream Show as following industry organisations which Higgin and Liam Calcutt commenced part of our Open House series, which provide important advocacy and support Certificate III Live Production and Services both provide opportunities for emerging for artists and arts workers: Traineeships in August 2019. This poets to present their work. program is providing Liam and Morgan • Australian Music Centre (AMC) with experience in all areas of technical Considering Matthew Shepard, co- • International Society for the Performing production. presented with Sydney Philharmonia Arts (ISPA) Choirs featured emerging artists from the choir’s young adult ensemble, VOX. • Live Performance Australia (LPA) • Sydney Arts Management Group (SAMAG)

Concert: We Are Twenty • The Arts Wellbeing Collective Photo: Asaf Luft

11 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

ACCESSIBILITY of Voyage of Musical Discovery series to Artificial Intelligence, the mathematics of an audience including 1,184 high school music, the effect of music on mood, and City Recital Hall aims to provide students. the neuroscience of musical imagery. exceptional experiences to wide audiences, and accessibility is therefore In conjunction with our presenting partner Each of the nine sessions of our an ongoing priority through infrastructure Gondwana Choirs, we welcomed 230 popular Sydney Flash Mob Choir events and expanding opportunities for children to perform on our stage. We also continued to attract a loyal following attendance for those with specific access hosted 350 international youth musicians together with wave of new participants needs. participating in activities by World Projects for our free vocal events that combine South Pacific. professionally-led vocal exercises, The auditorium is equipped with a rehearsals and performances suitable for hearing loop, accessible seating and the Writer and narrator Justine Clarke and singers of all levels. provision of courtesy wheelchairs for all composer and conductor George Ellis performances. Our website incorporates co-presented with City Recital Hall, to Our long-running lunchtime concert accessibility features to assist audiences take young audiences on an orchestral series, A Little Lunch Music, co-curated accessing the venue. journey with Mimi the magpie for a by City Recital Hall and Kathryn Selby AM, World Premiere performance of Mimi’s delighted audiences with diverse musical Concession priced tickets totalled almost Symphony. experiences. Thirty-eight contemporary 20% of all tickets sold by City Recital Hall, and classical Australian artists performed and 65 Companion Card tickets were FREE AND LOW-COST a range of genres from Beethoven issued. to bluegrass, and tango to jazz in six This year, 7,403 people attended 35 performances to 4,131 attendees. CHILDREN AND FAMILIES low cost events and over 5,000 people participated in 20 free events. Ears to the Ground provided an intimate Our commitment to providing events platform for contemporary artists in our to engage and excite young children, This Sounds Like Science, a series of foyers. Two collaborations with Word school-aged students and families with lunchtime talks hosted in partnership Travels allowed emerging and life-long 10 performances catering to 5,980 with Inspiring Australia (NSW), continued amateur poets the opportunity to perform attendees. to fascinate audiences with discussions and participate in a intimate and casual linking science and music by leading environment. Australian Romantic and Classical Australian researchers. This year’s four Orchestra presented two performances events covered musical composition by

Concert: Beatboxing for Newbies Photo: Maria Boyadgis

12 CITY RECITAL HALL PRESENTS CONCERTS

Concert: We Are Twenty Photo: Asaf Luft

MIMI'S SYMPHONY THE IDEA OF NORTH: foremost performer of new piano music and the world's first toy piano virtuoso, During July school holidays we opened HARMONIC HISTRIONIC for her Sydney debut, performing a brand our doors to our youngest audiences and We collaborated with Australia’s new work by composer George Crumb. their families for the World Premiere of most highly-awarded and best-loved Mimi's Symphony. A new orchestral work contemporary a cappella group The DAUGHTERS for children created by writer and narrator Idea of North to present their new show, Justine Clarke and composer and Harmonic Histrionic, on Thursday 8 We were proud to partner with The Big conductor George Ellis, Mimi's Symphony August. Anxiety and Tammy Brennan to present was an engaging, lively and distinctly Daughters, an important new work by Australian story introducing kids to the This beautifully-crafted and virtuosic librettist, Tammy Brennan, on Thursday different sections of the orchestra as they show explored vocal harmony across five 17 October. Through the expressive form came together in a joyous symphony. centuries from Gregorian Chant, Bach, of the Portuguese fado, guitar and song Madrigals and the Andrew Sisters to joined together to tell the real-life stories SYDNEY CABARET contemporary harmony-laden classics, of women and girls effected by gender ALL-STAR GALA delivered with the group’s signature self- violence. deprecating humour and charm. City Recital Hall was thrilled to co-present TAIKOZ: SEVEN FLOWERS the inaugural Sydney Cabaret Festival’s EXTENDED PLAY opening night All-Star Gala on Friday 5 On Friday 18 October, Taikoz returned July. Hosted by Festival Director, Trevor Following the success of the inaugural to the City Recital Hall stage with a Ashley, the concert featured international festival in 2018, Extended Play returned brand new show, Seven Flowers. This stars Jennifer Holliday, Natalie Joy to City Recital Hall on Saturday 31 August. spectacular performance explored the Johnson and Frisky and Mannish This ambitious 12-hour new music festival, many faceted phases of an artist’s life alongside Australian cabaret favourites, produced by City Recital Hall and Lyle and work, featuring taiko drumming with Phil Scott, Jonathan Biggins, Tim Draxl, Chan, saw music fill every corner of the beautiful song, dynamic movement, and Alison Jiear. venue with five performance spaces colourful percussion, and an evocative created across the four levels. stage design.

The event featured 20 performances with local and international artists including Synergy, Sonya Lifschitz and Christine Johnston, Decibel, Halcyon, Australian Voices and Zephyr Quartet. A highlight of the festival was Margaret Leng Tan, the

13 20TH ANNIVERSARY VOICES OF ANGELS: 12 ECHOES OF THE JAZZ AGE OPEN DAY AND WE ARE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS On Thursday 6 February, actor and TWENTY We rounded off 2019 with our much- director John Bell, pianist Simon Wednesday 30 October marked the 20th loved annual festive season celebration, Tedeschi and special guest Blazey anniversary of the opening of City Recital Voices of Angels, co-presented with Best transported audiences back to Hall. Festivities kicked off with aSydney Gondwana Choirs, with two performances the brilliance and bedazzlement of the Flash Mob Choir, followed by behind the on Monday 15 December and Tuesday Jazz Age. The performance featured scenes venue tours, a lunchtime concert 16 December. This year’s innovative the irresistible music of Scott Joplin, by Bach Akademie Australia and a talk program paired The Twelve Days of Louis Armstrong and James P Johnson, by City Recital Hall architect, Andrew Christmas and their associated gifts with and songs by George Gershwin, Ray Andersons AO. beautiful music from across the centuries. Henderson and Fats Waller. Under the direction of Sam Allchurch, the In the evening, we marked the occasion CONSIDERING MATTHEW with a very special concert curated IRON IN THE BLOOD by Australian musician and songwriter SHEPARD Megan Washington. For the first time, In partnership with Sydney Writers’ We were proud to collaborate with Megan collaborated with renowned Festival and Earshift Music we presented Sydney Philharmonia Choirs to present electronic music artists Electric Fields, Iron in the Blood as part of the Sydney Considering Matthew Shepard as part pianist and composer Luke Howard Festival calendar. Iron in the Blood was a of the 2020 Sydney Gay and Lesbian and indie classical ensemble Topology captivating musical production, Inspired Mardi Gras. In 1998 Matthew Shepard, looking toward the music of tomorrow by Robert Hughes’ famous book The a first-year college student in Wyoming, with a classical crossover theme. Fatal Shore, with jazz orchestra, visual was kidnapped, beaten and left to die in projections and narration by actors a brutal anti-gay hate crime that inspired The event featured the World Premiere William Zappa and Patrick Dickson. With anguish and outrage. Nearly 20 years performance of ‘Crystal Clear’, with music a score praised for its eclecticism and later, it inspired Craig Hella Johnson to by Robert Davidson, lyrics by Greta boldness, composed by Jeremy Rose, compose Considering Matthew Shepard Thunberg and Megan Washington. the work was brought to life by Rose’s and create a space for reflection, award-winning 17 piece Earshift Orchestra consideration and unity around Matthew’s ROBYN ARCHER: featuring Australia’s new generation of life and legacy. Directed by Shaun Rennie THE (OTHER) GREAT creative jazz talent. with Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ VOX AMERICAN SONGBOOK ensemble, the semi-staged concert MUSIC FOR OUR reverberated with hope and serenity, Following the success of Que Reste COUNTRY: AUSTRALIAN featuring eclectic music that shifts T’il and Dancing on the Volcano, between Lutheran hymnody, chant, blues, Robyn Archer completed her trilogy of BUSHFIRES FUNDRAISER cowboy songs and performances at City Recital Hall with CONCERT The (Other) Great American Songbook HANDEL’S MESSIAH on Thursday 21 November. Offering a In response to the devastating summer different portrait of America over time bushfires, City Recital Hall gathered On Saturday 14 March, just days before through song, Robyn’s performance Sydney’s classical music community to Covid-19 forced the closure of our venue, and stories covered everything from present a fundraiser concert on Thursday it was our great privilege to partner the Civil War and The Great Depression 30 January in which all performers with Sydney Chamber Choir to present to many of its citizens’ favourite vices. donated their time. All ticket and bar Messiah. Handel’s Messiah shocked the Accompanied by pianist Michael Morley sales were donated to the Australian authorities, disrupted traffic, enthralled and George Butrumlis on accordion, Red Cross, WIRES Wildlife Rescue and its audiences and brought a king to his Robyn delighted the audience with an the Foundation for Rural and Regional feet. Composed in just 24 days, it was an epic range of song, including music by Renewal. Hosted by Margaret Throsby, instant hit and for almost three centuries Stephen Foster, Rodgers and Hart, Bob Music For Our Country featured has remained one of the world’s favourite performances from Elena Kats-Chernin Dylan, Pink and Broadway classics. choral works. An absolute treasure-trove and Tamara Anna Cislowska, William of exquisite arias and glorious choruses, Barton and Veronique Serret, Sydney the work was performed at City Recital MOJO JUJU: NATIVE Philharmonia Choirs, Kathryn Selby, Sally Hall by Sydney Chamber Choir and The TONGUE Walker with musicians from Australian Muffat Collective, conducted by Sam Brandenburg Orchestra, Australian Allchurch. We were thrilled to present Mojo Juju on Chamber Orchestra and the Sydney Tuesday 26 November, performing her Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Erin extraordinary album Native Tongue in Helyard. its entirety with her brother and long- time collaborator Steve 'T-Bone' Ruiz de Luzuriaga. Raw, honest, emotional and intrinsically political, the show contemplated her mother’s Indigenous heritage, her father’s experience as a Filipino immigrant and her own place in the cultural landscape of modern Australia.

14 KEY PRESENTERS

We are proud to host Australia’s most celebrated musicians and performing arts organisations. The extraordinary musicianship of our Key Presenters signifi cantly contributes to the cultural vibrancy and the continued success of City Recital Hall.

This year, the Key Presenters together presented 69 performances to an audience of 66,746

• Australian Brandenburg Orchestra • Australian Chamber Orchestra • Musica Viva • Pinchgut Opera • Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Photo: Australian Chamber Orchestra

1515 VENUE HIRERS

Our calendar of activity has again been complemented by concerts and events from Australia’s leading presenters, promoters, ensembles and artists. The important addition of venue hiring gives contributes to the musical richness of City Recital Halls program and productively draws new audiences to the Hall.

Our hirers presented 53 concerts and events with a total ticketed audience of 24,783.

“Armed with a guitar, and striking in a red suit, Angie McMahon showed she was a storyteller first and foremost.” Sydney Morning Herald

“…the songs, poetry and musings of Leonard Cohen became less a concert and more a diary of what it means to be human.” Sydney Morning Herald

“Tenebrae’s performance was a delight, showing both the beauty and solemnity of this music.” Sydney Morning Herald

Concert: Archie Roach Tell Me Why. Sydney Festival 2020 Photo: Yaya Stempler 16 PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS We are grateful for the partnerships that played an important role in supporting City Recital Hall's artistic, technical and operational activities.

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

MEDIA PARTNERS

PRODUCTION PARTNERS

SERIES PARTNER

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Concert: Sydney Flash Mob Choir 17 Photo: Katelyn-Jane Dunn GIVING

We gratefully acknowledge the generous Anthony and Suzanne Maple-Brown Sue Radford gifts of our donors who provide the vital support for City Recital hall to produce, Olivia McArdle Sylvia Rosenblum present and promote a diverse program Dominik Mersch Jennie Sager and family of music and experiences. Naomi Milgrom Foundation Satya Sinha We also acknowledge the Naomi Milgrim Foundation and an anonymous donor Catriona Mordant AM and Simon Mordant Anne Smith for the second year of support toward AM City Recital Hall’s new music festival, Andrew and Masako Walker Lisa and Egil Paulsen Extended Play. Anonymous (1) Andrew Rogers ENCORE CIRCLE FOUNDING DONORS David and Daniela Shannon Dr David Millons David Albert Belinda Storr Lawrence Osborn Janie and Michael Austin Mary-Lynne Taylor and the Estate of the Late Ted Taylor SUPPORTERS Helen Bauer and Helen Lynch AM Wilson Asset Management (Louise Walsh) Peter Cassidy Abby Bloom and Robert Angyal Anonymous (1) Lisa Chung and Philip Howard The Boyarsky Family BRAVO CIRCLE David Cooper Ian and Jennifer Burton Elaine Chia and Ettore Altomare Suvan and Shamistha de Soysa Tim Cox AO and Bryony Cox Jill Berry Timothy Freeman Cuffe Family Foundation Ellen Borda L Goodridge Fiorella and Phillip de Boos-Smith Ian and Jennifer Burton Andrea Govaert The Goodridge Foundation Christine and Diane Malcolm Dioptics Peter Halas The Greatorex Foundation at Australian Philanthropic Services Foundation Jean McPherson Mrs Georgina Horton Christina Green and Maurice Green AM Michael Sirmai and Rebecca Finkelstein Dr Veronica Lambert Carol and Victor Grynberg Anonymous (2) Quang Ly

Andrew Kaldor AM and Renata Kaldor AO COMMUNITY AND ACCESS Robert Mangioni SUPPORTERS Mrs W.G. Keighley Marcus McArdle Rob Macfarlan and Nicole Abadee The Key Foundation Roslyn Morgan Ben Adamson James Kirby and Claire Wivell Plater Michele Nealon Ian and Jennifer Burton Elizabeth Laverty Dr P and Mrs D Southwell-Keely Kate Dixon Rachel Launders and Paul Clark Ernestine Spiegel Iphygenia Kallinikos Barbara and Sam Linz Prof Prue Vines Fiona McDonald Suzanne and Michael Lynch Anonymous (1)

18 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The City Recital Hall Limited Board saw several changes The Board met on nine occasions, and implemented a during the 2019/20 financial year. Rachel Launders and number of key actions including: Paul Mason joined the Board in December 2019. This year also saw the departure of Maria Sykes, Elizabeth Fullerton • Setting strategic priorities for the company and Helen Bauer who have each made an invaluable • Approving the annual budget and monthly financial contribution to the Board. reports The Board consists of nine directors who provide invaluable • Ensuring compliance and effective risk management counsel to successfully guide the direction of the company through their experience of music, performing arts, business • Confirmed increase of City of Sydney multi-year strategy, finance, legal, governance, marketing and media, funding through to 2025 programming and community engagement. • Secured capital works commitment by City of Sydney

There are four sub-committees: Audit and Risk, Nominations, Artistic, Development.

DIRECTOR BOARD AUDIT & RISK NOMINATIONS ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT

Renata Kaldor AO Chair ü ü ü ü

Tim Cox AO Deputy Chair Chair ü ü

David Albert ü ü

Helen Bauer ü ü Chair Resigned 30 June 2020

Elizabeth Fullerton ü ü Resigned 15 August 2019

Rachel Launders ü ü Joined 1 December 2019

Paul Mason ü ü Joined 1 December 2019

Marcus McArdle ü ü

Carol Mills ü ü

Jennie Sager ü

Maria Sykes Resigned 8 October ü 2019

Louise Walsh ü Chair

19 BOARD

RENATA KALDOR AO TIM COX AO RACHEL LAUNDERS CHAIR DEPUTY CHAIR COMPANY SECRETARY Renata has been involved in business, Tim founded his public relations company Rachel Launders is a lawyer with over education and community affairs. She is a Cox Inall Communications in 1975, an 25 years’ experience working across Director of Kaldor Centre for International award-winning company working with private practice, businesses and Refugee Law at UNSW In the past, Renata some of Australia’s largest companies government. She is currently General has been a Trustee of the Sydney Opera and with state and federal governments. Counsel and Company Secretary at Nine House, a Board Member of Sydney Tim joined the Board of The Australian Entertainment Co, an ASX-listed media Symphony Orchestra, a Director of Ballet in 1984, becoming Chair for four company. Rachel was formerly a partner Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, and years from 1995. He was Chair of Bell of Gilbert + Tobin, where she specialised the Australian World Orchestra, a Judicial Shakespeare from 1999 for 10 years. in corporate and commercial transactions Commissioner, Deputy Chancellor at the From Tim’s suggestion that all performing and advisory work, acting for a wide University of Sydney, as well as Chair arts companies should collaborate more, range of clients, including a number of of the NSW Women’s Advisory Council. the Australian Major Performing Arts not-for-profit bodies. Rachel is a director In 2002 Renata was made an Officer of Group was established in 1999, and has of Giant Steps, which provides school the Order of Australia and received the been extremely successful since. Tim and post-school programs for children Centenary Medal in 2003. In 2005 she also served on the Major Performing and adults with autism in Sydney and was made an Honorary Fellow of the Arts Panel of the Australia Council from , and has formerly been a University of Sydney. 2011 to 2015 and was Deputy Chair of Councillor of Sancta Sophia College at Sydney Film Festival. In recognition of the University of Sydney and Chair of that his distinguished service within the arts Council. industry, Tim was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2003.

Concert: Mimi's Symphony Photo: Katelyn-Jane Dunn

2020 DAVID ALBERT MARCUS MCARDLE PAUL MASON

David is the CEO of Alberts and part of Marcus is a Partner in the Audit Division Paul Mason is an experienced and the fifth generation to work in the Albert of KPMG. Marcus is the Audit Division’s respected music professional, who has family business that has been operating Risk Management Partner and leads the worked in broadcasting, live music and in Australia since 1885. He joined Alberts United States’ desk in KPMG Australia’s government. From 2009 - 2019 he was in 2004 after a career working across the National Technical Group (Department the Director of Music at the Australia globe in marketing roles with companies of Professional Practice). Marcus has Council for the Arts overseeing federal including Coca-Cola, Eastman Kodak and over 25 years of experience in providing funding for music. He established the Kellogg’s, and back home with telcos audit and advisory services to Australian Australian Music Radio Airplay Project Optus and Telstra. and international companies in the (AMRAP) a federally funded initiative that information, communications, biotech and connects broadcasters with musicians David holds an MBA from MGSM, energy and natural resources industries, and record labels. He was a board a Masters from the University of including three years in KPMG’s New York member of Radio FBi 94.5 from its Massachusetts, a Bachelor of Arts from office. Marcus also assists companies establishment to the year 2000 when the University of Sydney, has recently with United States and European Union the station was awarded its permanent graduated from the Australian Institute debt and equity raisings. broadcast licence. Between 2004 - 2007 of Company Directors and also has a he was President of Music NSW. Paul has number of Not for Profit director roles. also delivered technology projects for the ABC, and programmed live music venues and festivals and worked as a musician.

CAROL MILLS JENNIE SAGER LOUISE WALSH Carol is the Director, Institute for Public Jennie Sager is a Media Executive Louise Walsh is the Chief Executive Policy and Governance at the University known for creating and delivering global Officer of the Future Generation of Technology Sydney. Carol has been a first campaigns for top tier companies. companies founded by Wilson Asset chief executive in the NSW Public Service Throughout her career in television and Management Chairman Geoff Wilson. and Australian Parliamentary Service tech, Jennie has produced award-winning Louise also works with Wilson Asset and has worked as a management programs for major television networks, Management on its philanthropic consultant focusing on governance, including MTV, Discovery, NBC, ABC, initiatives. Louise is a senior executive strategy and change management. As a CBS, and The Nine Network and brought with a strong mix of experience in the public servant Carol was responsible for to life some of the world's biggest not-for-profit, government and private some of Australia’s most significant public events, including Superbowl XLVIII, The sectors. A former solicitor at Allens, she assets and has extensive experience in Academy Awards, and The Grammys. As has spent most of her career in sport, arts public policy, regulation, grants and arts an Executive in the United States and a and philanthropy. Louise was recently the administration. Carol has served on a regional leader in Asia Pacific, Jennie has CEO of Philanthropy Australia, the peak number of boards including the Sydney managed teams across many borders. body for philanthropy in Australia. Louise Festival, Sydney Film Festival and the Now as the Head of Nextdoor Australia, is a board member of St Vincent’s Curran National Art School. She is presently Jennie uses her tech background to drive Foundation and the Snow Foundation. also the President of Gymnastics NSW. positive change, focused on building stronger and safer communities across Australia.

21 STAFF

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Justin Boschetti

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Renée Bryant

EXECUTIVE SUPPORT OFFICER Peter Silver

CONCERT AND EVENT MANAGER FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR Keith Foote Nadine Wheeler

CONCERT AND EVENT MANAGER FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER Jayden Spillane Brett Reynolds

PRODUCER MARKETING MANAGER Linly Goh Cynthia Crespo TECHNICAL SERVICES MANAGER DIGITAL MARKETING COORDINATOR Andrew Hudson Krista Tanuwibawa TECHNICAL SERVICES COORDINATOR Timothy Cramsie TICKETING SERVICES MANAGER Vanessa Knox BUILDING SERVICES MANAGER Graham Parsons

Back Cover Photo: Poppy Burnett 22 CITY RECITAL HALL LIMITED 2 Angel Place Sydney NSW 2000 ABN 43 606 955 293 cityrecitalhall.com