Patrons

SIR CHARLES MACKERRASCH, AC, CBE (1925-2010)

“I am very proud to be a patron of the remarkable Australian World Orchestra. I have spent my whole life making music with my fellow countrymen and women and I regard them to be amongst the greatest orchestral players alive, holding major positions in the world’s premiere orchestras. We are a nation of very closely knit and talented musicians. Bringing them all together from around the globe produces an orchestra of the highest quality with a truly unique and Australian sound. What an exciting prospect!”

HIS EXCELLENCY, GENERAL THE HONOURABLE DAVID HURLEYAC, DSC (RETD)

“The award-winning Australian World Orchestra brings together Australia’s finest classical musicians from around the world to present electrifying performances in Australia and overseas, whilst nurturing and developing young talent, reaffirming the strong future of Australian classical music.”

GENERAL THE HONOURABLE SIR PETER COSGROVEAK AC (MIL) CVO MC (RETD)

“Lynne and I have greatly enjoyed our involvement with the Australian World Orchestra and the experience of seeing and hearing some of Australia’s finest classical musicians. We have been moved by their efforts to capture the sense of “returning home” for these talented roving musical ambassadors. It is a pleasure to be a patron of The Australian World Orchestra.”

DAVID GONSKIAC

“The Australian World Orchestra is a dream of many Australian musicians. I am proud to support these wonderfully talented players, bringing many of them home and combining them with our world-class local musicians. Their performances are not to be missed events.”

NAOMI MILGROMAC

“Alexander Briger’s ambition and vision to bring together Australia’s extraordinary musical talent from all over the world is one of the most compelling initiatives I have been engaged with. It’s a great opportunity for Australian audiences to experience the brilliance of our Australian musicians and everything they have produced in the world of classical music.”

VINAY RANEMBBS BMEDSCI (HONS) LLBLLM PDLP, FRANZCOG FFCFM (RCPA), FACLM MFFLM (RCP, UK) MHSM

“The role of the AWO is unique in Australia and internationally. It is quintessentially Australian to share one’s gift overseas to facilitate self-development. We are so very blessed to hear the fruits of that labour, the cultivation of home grown talent based in Australia and abroad under the same concert hall roof; an opportunity that comes but once a year.”

MAUREEN RIZK OAM

“I am proud to be a patron of the AWO. It is an incredible thing to bring together Australia’s finest musicians to perform under the great conductors of the world but it is a greater vision to use their unique collectiveness to inspire and empower young musicians through the AWO’s extensive education programme. Engaging with students at crucial stages in their development is one of the most valuable investments into the arts we can make.”

EZEKIEL SOLOMONAM

“I am thrilled to be involved in this amazing project. AWO is a wonderful venture, not only connecting both national and international musicians, but also supporting the development of many up and coming young Australian musicians who will benefit enormously from the education program.”

HARISH RAOMBA (Finance) GAICD

Harish grew up in Melbourne, where he attended Melbourne Grammar School before completing higher studies at the Australian National University and Monash University. He has an MBA (Finance) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Professionally, Harish is the face of the Sundaram Finance Group, a US$5billion financial services conglomerate, based in Chennai, India. In Australia, the group is involved with Financial and Business Process Outsourcing through its subsidiary, Sundaram Business Services Limited.

Harish currently also sits on the Board of Guide Dogs Victoria, the Australian Friends of ASHA and the Australia India Institute. He is also on the Advisory Board of the World Mosquito Program.

Harish has been a Patron of the AWO since 2012 and was Chair of the AWO from November 2018 to December 2022.

IAN BREEDON

I have very much enjoyed my long relationship with the AWO, watching it grow to become a unique, bold, modern icon in the orchestral world both in Australia and around the globe. I look forward to working with the AWO as they enter their second decade, showcasing Australia’s finest classical musicians to the world performing under the batons of the world’s greatest conductors. In addition, their innovative music development program continues to inspire emerging Australian talent.