The Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music celebrated its 15th birthday with a gala concert and the naming of the Helen Lancaster foyer on Saturday evening.

Staff and students entertained the packed auditorium throughout the evening, which also included a piece that unexpectedly required Associate Professor Lancaster to be ushered from the audience to accompany Ian Bofinger’s performance.

CQCM Sub-Dean Judith Brown said the event was a fitting tribute to mark the success of the organisation.

“Audience members included members of the community who had supported the CQCM over the years, through those instrumental in seeing the site develop at its present location,” she said.

Birthday celebrations continue throughout the year, with the Bachelor of Music Theatre student production of The Sentimental Bloke hitting the stage from April 29 to May 1. The sensational musical Footloose will be presented from August 19-21, with classical music lovers offered a chance to enjoy a recital by internationally acclaimed pianist Mark Gasser on October 9.

Photo: CQU Vice-Chancellor Glenice Hancock (left) celebrates the opening of the Helen Lancaster foyer with Associate Professor Lancaster and CQU Chancellor Rennie Fritschy. .

Photo: CQCM Sub-Dean Judith Brown joins her husband Jim Brown and architect Steve Turner at the birthday celebrations.