Elder Conservatorium director Anna Goldsworthy pushes back at suggestions the institution would be axed as part of the SA university merger

The Elder Conservatorium director has spoken to ease fears that the institution would be cut as part of the SA university merger.

The head of The University of Adelaide’s historic Conservatorium of Music has pushed back against claims of uncertainty around the future of the institution.

A discussion paper released this week on the possible structure of the state’s new “super institution” does not include the Elder Conservatorium of Music, Adelaide University’s prestigious home of music education in SA.

In its place is a ‘School of Performing Arts and Music’, one of six disciplinary-based schools under the College of Creative Arts and Humanities.

The omission of the treasured institution from the detailed 40-page document, released by joint Vice Chancellors of the new Adelaide University, Professor Peter Høj AC and Professor David G. Lloyd, has raised serious concerns from members of staff.

They say dumping the conservatorium in its current format could have devastating consequences for music education in SA.

Director of the Elder Conservatorium Anna Goldsworthy says the institution is not going anywhere. Source: Supplied

But director of Elder Conservatorium, Professor Anna Goldsworthy told The Advertiser she had “absolutely no fears” about whether the institution would be preserved.

“There is a school of music in there (the discussion paper) and that’s us,” Prof Goldsworthy said.

“The Elder Conservatorium is implied there.”

Prof Goldsworthy said she has been working at the Conservatorium with the intention that “not only will it continue but it will flourish”.

“I think there’s always anxiety around things like mergers but we’re in the enviable position of not having to combine with an equivalent institution,” she said.

But the move has drawn national concern.

Australian Society for Music Education president Dr Jason Goopy, based at Edith Cowan University in Perth, said he wanted to ensure the future of the “internationally revered institution”.

“We want to make sure nothing is compromised in terms of its long legacy,” Dr Goopy said.

“It’s certainly something we’ll be watching closely.”

However, Dr Goopy said he “doesn’t think there’s cause for alarm at this point”.

Deputy Premier Susan Close said Elder Conservatorium is not under threat. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

Deputy Premier Susan Close said she was advised by UniSA and The University of Adelaide that there are “no plans to discontinue Elder Conservatorium”.

“I also understand the conservatorium has recently undergone a significant refurbishment where it continues to provide nation leading music programs,” Dr Close said.

Widely regarded as one of the nation’s leading music institutions, the conservatorium was opened in 1898 and is the oldest tertiary music academy in Australia.

The university did not clarify whether or not the conservatorium would be affected in the merger.

“The potential structure looks at the relationships suggested between associated functions and how they will work together to deliver on the strategic ambition for the Adelaide University,” a spokesman said.

Originally published as Elder Conservatorium director Anna Goldsworthy pushes back at suggestions the institution would be axed as part of the SA university merger