Richard Tognetti Slams ANU's Plan to Axe School of Music
Richard Tognetti Slams ANU's Plan to Axe School of Music
Richard Tognetti, artistic director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO), has strongly criticized the Australian National University's (ANU) proposal to eliminate the School of Music, calling it an 'act of cultural vandalism.'
Speaking after a performance at ANU's Llewelyn Hall, Tognetti expressed his deep concern over the decision, stating, 'Let us hope in marking the School of Music's diamond anniversary, we are not also preparing its obituary. But if the current trajectory continues, that is where we are heading.'
Tognetti, a world-renowned violinist, emphasized the importance of the School of Music as a national and international asset. 'When the tuition stops, the music stops,' he said, adding, 'If maintaining our national parks costs money, we do not burn them down to save on upkeep.'
He also stressed that the School of Music plays a crucial role in preserving Australia's cultural identity. 'Once lost, it won't be rebuilt,' Tognetti warned, urging the university to reconsider the proposal.
In a letter to ANU's leadership, Tognetti called for an immediate moratorium on the proposed changes and a 'fully transparent and independently moderated consultation process.' He argued that the future of the School of Music must be shaped by expertise, integrity, and vision, not by expediency.
The ANU's dean of the College of Arts and Social Sciences, Bronwyn Parry, defended the proposal, stating that it was the result of 'carefully considered' consultation, strategic planning, and benchmarking against other international institutions. She noted that the number of students studying music performance had dropped significantly over the years and that the new structure would better prepare students for the real world.
However, the Canberra Symphony Orchestra (CSO) has strongly opposed the plan, warning that it would severely impact the city's pipeline of musicians and cultural vibrancy. CSO chief executive Rachel Thomas expressed disappointment with the ANU's response, describing it as a 'thanks, but no thanks' message.
The ANU has stated it is reviewing the feedback received during the consultation period and will present its implementation plan 'in due course.'
