The University of Tasmania has announced that the Australian International Symphony Orchestra Institute – an intesive summer orchestral programme aimed at helping young musicians move into the world of professional music – has been discontinued. For the past decade, AISOI, through the University of Tasmania’s Conservatorium of Music, has provided students with practical experience needed to pursue careers as orchestral musicians. Students would follow an intensive schedule of rehearsals, tutorials, and concerts, working closely with professional musicians, and giving public performances in Hobart.

A statement on AISOI’s webpage and Facebook page, from Professor Kit Wise, director and head of school of the Tasmanian College of the Arts and Associate Professor Andrew Legg, Director of the Conservatorium of Music, asserts that the decision to end the programme is the result of the Conservatorium refocusing its efforts.

“We will maintain our commitment to the delivery of world-class classical music education with strength provided by relationships such as we have with world-renowned Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) and University conductor Johannes Fritzsch,” the statement reads. “However, at this time, the Conservatorium’s leaders believe the time is right to refocus the institution’s efforts in building capacity within Tasmania, through greater collaboration with the...