In the heart of regional NSW, a quiet cultural revolution has taken root – powered by music, philanthropy and a deep sense of community. Musica Viva Australia’s long-standing partnership with the Orange Regional Conservatorium (ORC) is more than a vibrant model for regional arts development – it’s a living legacy shaped by visionary individuals and two transformative philanthropic trusts: the Godfrey Turner Memorial Music Trust and the Margaret Henderson Music Trust.
The Turners, the Hendersons, and Olive Dunk
Born in London to New Zealand parents, Godfrey Turner spent his early years moving between Italy, Switzerland, Vienna and Paris – an upbringing that nurtured his lifelong love of classical music. He fled Nazi-occupied France in 1940 and served with the New Zealand Army during WWII. In 1947 he migrated to Australia, where he built a career in market research.
In 1955, Godfrey married Mary Turner (née Killen). Together they shared a passion for classical music and visual art, amassing an impressive art collection during their international travels. In 1980, they settled near Orange, NSW at 'Lallaween' and became key advocates for the arts in the region. Mary long campaigned for a proper art gallery in Orange and, having exhausted all options, donated her considerable collection to Orange Council, forcing the council's hand to build a gallery worthy of the gift for the community.
After Godfrey’s death in 1988, Mary established the Godfrey Turner Memorial Music Trust to elevate musical appreciation and education in Central West NSW.
Coco’s Lunch members Lisa Young, Emma Gilmartin, Gabrielle Macgregor, and Jacqueline Gawler captivated Orange audiences with their sublime vocal harmonies and masterful rhythmic interplay. Photo credit: James Buchanan
Mary was also inspired by her uncle, George Henderson, a prominent pastoralist. His wife, Margaret Doyle Henderson, was a pioneering figure in Australian broadcasting as the ABC’s first female announcer. In Margaret’s later years, she was cared for by George’s dedicated secretary, Olive Dunk, who became part of the family. Mary and Olive worked together to establish the Margaret Henderson Music Trust in 1996.
Despite her modest means, Olive quietly saved to contribute a final act of generosity herself. In 2023, the Olive Dunk Chamber Music Scholarship was launched, supporting chamber music teaching as a core part of music education delivery in the region.
Today, the two trusts and scholarship are guided by Narelle Nelson, whose thoughtful leadership continues to grow their reach and relevance in a changing cultural landscape.
A young trumpeter receives expert guidance from Mark Bain, tutti trumpet of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, during a hands-on workshop at the Orange Regional Conservatorium of Music. Photo credit: James Buchanan
Orange: A Regional Cultural Powerhouse
In its early years, Orange had a strong theatre tradition but lacked structured opportunities for music education. The founding of the Orange Regional Conservatorium addressed this gap, beginning with limited instruments, few tutors, and minimal infrastructure.
A major turning point came when the ORC was offered a building formerly owned by the Plymouth Brethren. Although the concrete slab made traditional development difficult, it became the ideal base for a purpose-built conservatorium. Through community advocacy and support from a local MP, a new auditorium and teaching wing were designed by architect Richard Laurie. Today, thanks to updated building technologies and strong community backing, a new state-of-the-art conservatorium is under construction to meet the region’s growing cultural needs.
Professional trumpeter and performance mentor Mark Bain guides a young flautist in preparation for their HSC music exam, offering expert insight and support. Photo credit: James Buchanan
Musica Viva Australia’s Impact in Orange
From 2019 to 2025, Musica Viva Australia’s programs in Orange have flourished:
- 20,000+ students engaged through Musica Viva Australia In Schools
- 50+ professional development events for educators
- Numerous concerts and workshops delivered in collaboration with ORC
- Artist residencies offering in-depth mentorship for high performing local students
Each year, the Musica Viva Australia Regional Touring Program brings leading musicians – many of whom also perform in capital city concert seasons – to communities across NSW. In 2024 alone, over 5,000 people attended performances from Tyalgum to Yass, with artists delivering workshops, masterclasses, relaxed concerts and post-show Q&As.
Orange remains one of Musica Viva Australia’s strongest and most enduring regional partnerships. Touring artists regularly visit the ORC to perform and run education programs, often spending a week or more in residency. Past residency artists include Aura Go, Tomoe Kawabata, Ian Munro, Leanne Sullivan, Karin Schaupp, Andrew O’Connor, and most recently, trumpeter and performance coach Mark Bain.
'I had a fantastic time in Orange during my first week of residency – visiting schools, working with high-achieving students, and leading sessions on music performance anxiety and peak performance skills. The openness of the students and staff made the experience a real highlight.'
Mark Bain
The Legacy Lives On
Musica Viva Australia’s Regional Touring Program is supported by Create NSW, and its success in Orange has been made possible by the vision and legacy of Mary Turner. Through the Godfrey Turner and Margaret Henderson Music Trusts, her generosity continues to open doors for students of all backgrounds to experience the transformative power of music.
From world-class pianists to First Nations storytelling through programs like Wyniss and Women of Song, the Trusts have helped embed music as a living, evolving presence – one that will continue to shape the cultural heart of Orange for generations to come.
The Sai Brothers lit up the stage in Orange with the vibrant rhythms of traditional Indian percussion, joining forces with Coco’s Lunch for a powerful July performance. Photo credit: James Buchanan
This is part of a series of Untold Stories, about those behind the music at Musica Viva Australia. Play your part in the future story of Musica Viva Australia by making a donation in our 80th anniversary year. To discuss making a gift, please contact Zoe Cobden-Jewitt: zcobden-jewitt@musicaviva.com.au