Renew ANU, the controversial restructuring proposal by the Australian National University, would have had a profound impact on the School of Music, but has since been abandoned following ardent protests. Emily Thornton looks at the proposal and discusses the future for classical music in Canberra.

Music students at the Australian National University protesting in 2025 against the proposed changes to the School of Music in Renew ANU. Photo © Martin Ollman

Renew ANU in October 2024, the proposal not only sent shockwaves through Canberra’s music community, but prompted discussion among musicians, educators and arts leaders nationwide. Speaking to Limelight in August 2025, Richard Tognetti, the Artistic Director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, described it as “cultural vandalism”.

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