Orchestras, Choirs & Ensembles

Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra

The Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra (ECSO) rehearses twice a week throughout the academic year and performs in both lunchtime and evening concerts in Elder Hall. The resident conductor is currently Keith Crellin. Distinguished guest conductors are also invited to work with the orchestra. 

Membership is by audition at the beginning of each academic year and most members are students enrolled full-time in one of the Conservatorium's degree or diploma programs. Students from other areas of the University (such as Law, Medicine or Engineering) may also audition.

Leading members of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra are engaged by the Conservatorium as adjunct staff in order to provide intensive one-to-one training in their particular instruments. Some are actively engaged in coaching the orchestra in sectional rehearsals. Each year, the Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra also provides opportunities for selected students to perform concertos in high-profile public concerts.

Elder Conservatorium Wind Orchestra

The Elder Conservatorium Wind Orchestra (ECWO) is directed by Robert Hower, a graduate of the Eastman School of Music (Rochester, NY), and follows the famous Eastman tradition. ECWO has won numerous awards over the years and regularly performs new and standard repertoire for the medium.

Elder Conservatorium Chamber Orchestra

The Elder Conservatorium Chamber Orchestra (ECCO) operates in a similar manner to the Symphony Orchestra, but focuses on different repertoire. It regularly provides a platform for selected students to perform concertos in public concerts. It also provides oopportunities to the Conservatorium's principal study composers through competitions and the programming of student work.

Elder Conservatorium Chorale

The Elder Conservatorium Chorale (ECC) was established at the beginning of 2002 and is conducted by Carl Crossin, one of Australia's leading choral conductors.   The Chorale is a large chorus which rehearses once a week and which can perform either with or without the Symphony Orchestra.

The Elder Conservatorium of Music has a well-established artistic collaboration with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra involving regular performances of major choral works in the orchestra's concert season.

Jazz Ensembles

Among the Elder Conservatorium’s jazz ensembles are Big Bands I, II, and III, Guitar Bands I & II, two vocal jazz choirs (including the renowned ‘Adelaide Connection’) and a latin percussion ensemble.

The jazz ensemble program aims to improve students’ sight reading, ensemble blend, performance practices and general musicianship.  The repertoire includes classic to contemporary writing for all instrumentation and voices. All styles of jazz, Latin and contemporary music are included, from bebop to funk and beyond. 

Many Australian and international guest artists have performed with these ensembles, including Bob Mintzer, James Morrison, Don Burrows, John Hoffman, Michelle Nicolle, Erroll Buddle, and Alison Wedding.