Better Late Than Never For Nancy And Robert

Recognition Better Late Than Never For Nancy and Robert

For Nancy Tuck, 95, and Robert Dunn, 94, a long wait for "official" recognition of their musical talent is all but over.

Tuck and Dunn, a pianist and violinist respectively, will join more than 240 other former students of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music on Thursday for induction into the cherished ranks of Alumni of the University of Sydney.

The pair number among some 3,000 musicians who either completed tertiary courses or left early for one reason or another prior to 1990 the year The Con officially joined forces with the University.

Some of the scholars covering full and part-timers and straddling performance, research, theory, history and composition - date back to the early 1920s.

Tuck, from Mosman, and Dunn, from Willoughby, responded to a year-long campaign by The Con to track down the "missing scholars" to take part in a series of recognition ceremonies during 2010 that will see each receive a certificate confirming Alumnus status in the University's Great Hall, followed by a Champagne Reception and Reunion Concert at The Con.

Tuck was a Theatre Nurse at the Children's Hospital for 12 years before completing diploma courses in singing and piano in 1948-53. She began a long career as a music teacher at a range of high schools, including 25 years at Pymble Ladies College, where she became Director of Music.

Volunteering has been very much a part of her later life. She was a volunteer in the Opera House Library for many years, and currently does three days a week at the State Library!

"Music is still very much in the bloodit is a comfort and a joy, and I like to sing every day of the week," said Nancy.

"This is a very special occasion. I never thought it would happen. But now that it is, I'm thrilled. It will be wonderful to perhaps catch-up with some other students from my time at the Con."

Dunn studied the violin and viola from 1946-49 and later joined the Railway Institute Orchestra as lead violinist and conductor and performed many shows at the revered Tivoli Theatre.

He coached young musicians for many years and later became lead violinist and violist for the North Sydney Symphony Orchestra. He is still the Vice-President of that Orchestra!

"I remember my time at The Con with great affection, so am very chuffed that hundreds of former students like me are being honoured in this way so many years down the track," commented Robert.

The Dean and Principal of The Con, Professor Kim Walker, said: "The response to our call-out for former students has been amazing and we and the University are extremely pleased to be able to bestow on them the honour they deserve.

"The people who have come forward represent a range of generations, but all of them with wonderful experiences and situations to tell from their time at The Con and their lives and contributions thereafter.

"Without doubt these people made The Con what it is today. We cherish them and value their contribution and we are delighted that so many of them are still able to enjoy our celebrations and our concerts."

Media inquiries to Mick Le Moignan, SCM, 02 9351 1385
or Graham Cassidy, Cato Counsel, 0419 202317

Macquarie Street,
Sydney 2000
AUSTRALIA
+61 2 9351 1222
www.thecon.com.au

SOURCE: Sydney Conservatorium of Music