City’s big on stadiums but sorely lacking for artistic venues
THE five days of the Australian Concerto and Vocal Competition ( ACVC) finished on Tuesday with the final of the instrumental section, and what a final it was!
The standard of both instrumental and vocal competitors was truly exceptional.
Townsville is fortunate to have performing arts events of international calibre such as the ACVC and the Australian Festival of Chamber Music ( on at the moment).
We also have our own symphony orchestra – the Barrier Reef Orchestra – one of only two community orchestras north of a line from Perth to Brisbane.
Indeed Townsville has an exceptional offering in theatre all around and it should be rec- ognised that this is due to the monumental effort and commitment of many volunteer workers with great support from the community.
Sadly this enthusiasm and support in the community is not matched by our facilities which are an embarrassment and a disgrace for a city of our size, especially for one claiming to be the capital of the North.
We have no purpose- built small theatre, nor medium sized theatre nor an amphitheatre ( despite having perhaps the world’s best climate for year round outdoor events).
We also have no venue at all with suitable acoustics for live music or voice. As a result we are missing out each year on numerous touring and local performances that simply can- not find a venue and many performances we do have are diminished by the limitations of our few venues.
Despite this there is no commitment, not even a concept, in sight to address this shameful situation. But never mind … all will be good when we get our third stadium. SIMON McCONNELL,
Mundingburra.