Chamber Music Australia has just announced the appointment of Julian Burnside AO QC as their new Chairman of the Board of Directors. The following is from their Media Release.

Chamber Music Australia (CMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Julian Burnside AO QC as the new Chair of the Board.

Burnside, a highly regarded barrister and human rights campaigner, is a passionate supporter of Australian culture. A collector of contemporary paintings and commissioner of new chamber music, Burnside is also the Chair of Fortyfive Downstairs and a former President of Liberty Victoria.

“I am very pleased to accept this position. My official association with CMA began in 2007 as Chair of the Jury at the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition, a role that I accepted again in 2011,” Burnside said.

“I am looking forward to building CMA’s established commitment to raising the standard and appreciation of chamber music performance in Australia.”

“Julian’s appointment arrives at an opportune time. CMA is entering an exciting new phase of growth particularly within Asia.  Julian’s expertise will steer and strengthen Melbourne’s reputation as an international centre of chamber music excellence,” said Benjamin Woodroffe, General Manager CMA.

Julian’s appointment follows the position held by William J Forrest AM. ‘William Forrest’s invaluable contribution over the past twelve years has enabled CMA to solidify its international profile. I wish to thank William for his committed service,’ said Woodroffe.

As a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions since 1996, Chamber Music Australia stages the quadrennial Melbourne International and Asia-Pacific Chamber Music Competitions.

CMA’s vision is that every young Australian, whatever their background, should be have an opportunity to perform, learn and ‘be engaged’ with chamber music.  To this end, as part of the Governor’s Recital Series – a tripartite collaboration between the Governor, CMA and Arts Victoria – CMA in 2012 is inviting young people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to enjoy, free of charge, fine chamber music in one of Melbourne’s most distinguished venues – the State Ballroom at Government House.

On Wednesday May 30th at 11.00 am the Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC, Governor of Victoria and Mrs. Elizabeth Chernov with Julian Burnside AO QC will greet invited students from Laverton P-12 College who will be part of  an audience for a concert given by the baroque trio Latitude 37.

For Melbourne readers, don’t forget this exciting event encouraging young people to explore and embrace the World of chamber music.

Event Detail: Wednesday, May 30th @ 11 am Government House.