Elders brings ASO back to SA towns, including Port Lincoln, after 67 years

Regional SA communities will be able to enjoy live major musical concerts – some after decades – for at least the next three years due to support from a national agribusiness.

Elders Real Estate general manager Tom Russo with ASO chief executive Vincent Ciccarello and ASO players Shirin Lim, Principal 1st Violin, Julia Grenfell, Principal Piccolo, and Simon Cobcroft Principal Cello. Picture Matt Turner.

National agribusiness Elders is bringing ‘once-in-a-generation’ events back to South Australian regional towns under a first-time partnership with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

Elders will be ASO’s regional partner for three years, enabling its full complement to visit at least two regional towns this year.

ASO will perform in Port Lincoln after 67 years, at three concerts from April 17-18, as part of the SALT Festival.

It will also deliver workshops, performances and mentoring to local young and old musicians, including the City Band, in the lead up to the concerts.

The ASO is hoping the financial support, which was not detailed, will also help the group visit one more region in the second half of the year, but the program is not finalised yet.

Elders chief executive Mark Allison said the its inaugural partnership was about the “well being of people and the communities” in which the business operates.

“Partnering with the ASO will ensure that regional communities have access to orchestral experiences to make positive, long-term and enduring impacts with clear community benefits,” Mr Allison said.

The sponsorship is part of the 1839-established Elders’ ongoing commitment to support sustainable cultural development in regional and remote communities in Australia.

ASO managing director Vincent Ciccarello said Elders’ support would help the organisation to

continue to play a leading role in “nurturing the cultural life of our vibrant state and nourishing the souls of South Australians”.

“Our regional touring provides a unique opportunity for South Australians of all ages – from primary school students to older people – to engage with music and experience orchestral music that they may never have heard performed live.”

It is expected the presence of ASO at regional events like the SALT will also give the region a post-pandemic tourism boost by attracting non-local audiences.

“The last time the full Adelaide Symphony Orchestra came to Port Lincoln was back in 1954,” City of Port Lincoln Council mayor Brad Flaherty said.

“What an amazing opportunity for people to experience the wonderful sounds and witness

such talent right here in Port Lincoln.”

ASO’s Principal Piccolo Julia Grenfell was excited about the regional performances because of what the experience means for the attendees, some experiencing a full orchestra for the first time.

“There’s often a wonderful community vibe too, you can see that they can be quite close-knit and that’s nice to be embraced into that,” she said.