August 1, 2012
Popular school music program Fanfare and MOST (a program for Musically Outstanding Students) will continue, thanks to a $150,000 donation from businessman Harvey Lister, Chairman and CEO of AEG Ogden, Queensland Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek announced today.
AEG Ogden manages the Brisbane Convention Centre, Brisbane Entertainment Centre and Suncorp Stadium.
“On behalf of all Queensland State school students, teachers and principals, I would like to thank Mr Lister and the AEG Ogden group,” Mr Langbroek said.
Mr Lister has offered $75,000 cash sponsorship annually to host MOST in 2013 and Fanfare in 2014 with the full sponsorship over the two years totalling $150,000, as well hosting the events at AEG Ogden-managed venues.
AEG Ogden founding directors Harvey Lister and Rod Pilbeam have been involved in the entertainment business in Brisbane for nearly 40 years.
“We have a substantial interest in the music and entertainment industry and see this sponsorship as a way of giving something back to grassroots music programs,” Mr Lister said.
Mr Pilbeam said history showed that most musicians who are now household names received their introduction to music in their school years.
Fanfare, which has been going for 27 years, includes a biennial workshop and competition for primary and high school ensembles from across Queensland.
This year’s Grand Final will be held at QPAC tomorrow night.
UPDATE August 10, 2012 – ABC-TV interviewed Brooke Favier and Ellie Dalton from Kingaroy State High School
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