A gala concert on Saturday 20 March will be among the colourful events used to mark the 15th anniversary of the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music.

Since opening at the original Shakespeare Street site in 1989, the Conservatorium’s student numbers have increased from 20 students at one delivery site to approximately 450 students at 11 delivery sites in 2004. The current Central Queensland University Mackay location opened to students in June 2000.

CQU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & Research) Professor Jim Mienczakowski said the concert was an ideal event to recognise the contribution made by an organisation responsible for raising the cultural profile of Central Queensland.

“The ongoing and ever-increasing demand for the various music programs offered through the Conservatorium demonstrates the quality of education provided to performers for the past 15 years,” he said. “Musicians from throughout Australia choose to move to Central Queensland to study at the Conservatorium and in recent years with the introduction of the Virtual Conservatorium more students can access educational resources without moving from their home town.” Other 2004 performances include the Australian musical Sentimental Bloke from April 29 to May 1, with the major production Footloose being directed by Keith Hawley from August 19-21.

Tickets for any of the performances can be booked by telephoning Kim MacKenzie on 4940 7800. Photo: CQCM Events Co-ordinator Bern Howlett and former Education & Creative Arts Dean Jim Mienczakowski prepare for the CQCM 15th birthday celebrations.