Exhibition celebrates musician, educator

The exhibition celebrating the career of the late Peter Rorke OAM was launched at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) on Monday 14 July 2008.

Peter Rorke OAM: a tribute exhibition features memorabilia donated by Peter's wife Wanda and includes awards, programs, recordings, photographs, original scores and compositions.

USQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Bill Lovegrove opened the exhibition, commenting on Peter's remarkable achievements throughout his career.

'I am staggered at the achievements of this person,' Professor Lovegrove said.

'After conducting his first performance at the age of 8 in the Pretoria City Hall in South Africa,  Peter went on to establish his first orchestra in High School.

'Six years later he was appointed Assistant Conductor and Principal Viola in the Pretoria City Orchestra, and at the age of 23, became England's youngest professional conductor when he was appointed Assistant Musical Director and Conductor for the London Festival Ballet.'

Peter was appointed to USQ in 1977 where he was responsible for establishing the music department. 

He also founded the Toowoomba Concert Orchestra, the USQ Sinfonia, the student orchestra and Opera at the University.

'This is the most significant historical collection in the University. USQ/DDIAE was extremely fortunate to have had him here, as was the community.'

Wanda Rorke spoke of Peter's love of teaching and music.

'It is a great honour to pass memorabilia of Peter I've kept over the past years on to the University.

'He absolutely loved his time at DDIAE. He loved his work and loved being a musician.'

The Medal for the Order of Australia awarded to Peter Charles Rorke by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Bill Hayden, 26 January 1995 is included in the exhibition, as is the Dame Nellie Melba D.B.E. Collection donated by Peter's wife Wanda.

The exhibition will feature in the USQ Arts Gallery from Thursday 10 July to Friday 1 August 2008 from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559