Sydney Conservatorium of Music

Did Governor Macquarie ever imagine his grand stables would one day house a symphony of aspiring musicians? The Sydney Conservatorium of Music, affectionately known as “The Con,” stands before us, a testament to a fascinating evolution. This building, originally designed by convict architect Francis Greenway in the early 19th century, was intended as the stables for a new Government House. Macquarie, with input from his wife Elizabeth, envisioned a grand, Gothic-style structure. The cost and perceived extravagance of the stables contributed to Macquarie’s recall to Britain. The Sydney Conservatorium of Music, however, eventually found its home within these historic walls. In 1915, the New South Wales government, under William Holman, allocated funds to convert the stables into a music school. The Sydney Conservatorium of Music officially opened its doors in 1916, under the directorship of Henri Verbrugghen. Its mission was to provide world-class music education, rivaling the leading European conservatories. Verbrugghen, a dynamic force, established Australia’s first full-time orchestra, comprised of both professionals and students. The orchestra played a vital role in Sydney’s musical scene, even accompanying renowned artists like Jascha Heifetz. The Sydney Conservatorium of Music continued to thrive under subsequent directors. Edgar Bainton founded the Opera School in 1935. Sir Eugene Goossens, a significant figure in the institution’s history, further elevated the Con’s reputation, particularly in opera production. Rex Hobcroft, director from 1972 to 1982, shaped the Conservatorium into the multifaceted institution we know today. He fostered a “Music University” model that integrated diverse disciplines like classical and jazz performance, music education, composition, and musicology. In 1990, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music merged with the University of Sydney. A major renovation, completed in 2001, modernized the facilities while preserving the historic Greenway building. Today, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music continues to nurture musical talent, echoing the ambitions of its founder within the grandeur of its historic walls. From housing prized horses to harboring musical dreams, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music remains a vibrant hub, enriching Australia’s cultural landscape.