Thirty years in harmony for Goulburn Valley Concert Orchestra

Titled Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, the concert will celebrate the orchestra’s history while looking ahead with new works commissioned especially for the occasion.

The milestone traces back to 1992, when violinist Wendy Oakes founded Sheppstrings to fill a gap in the region’s community music scene.

After the ensemble’s first public performance that year, it expanded into the Goulburn Valley Concert Orchestra in 1997.

Mrs Oakes served as president, music director and principal conductor for 28 years before retiring in 2020.

GVCO president Helen Rankin said Mrs Oakes’ contribution to the region had been recognised with an Order of Australia Medal in 2015 for services to the community.

“Her efforts have been unsurpassed and treasured always,” she said.

Mrs Rankin said the orchestra had remained committed to its mission to “feed the soul of the local community”.

“The GVCO committee and members are very proud of this and very grateful for all the generous support,” she said.

A display of orchestra memorabilia is on show at Eastbank to mark the anniversary, with a commemorative 264-page book documenting the orchestra’s history also available for $65.

The limited-edition book Overture to Tutti - Goulburn Valley Concert Orchestra - A 30 Year Crescendo and GVCO merchandise will be available to purchase at the concert.

The concert, presented in partnership with Riverlinks, begins at 7.30pm on Saturday, October 17.

Tickets and further information are available through Riverlinks at tinyurl.com/822j42xd