Hobart’s
Performing arts Eisteddfod
The City of Hobart Eisteddfod runs in May / June each year offering a wide range of performance opportunities in classical and contemporary singing, choirs, piano, drums, horns, violins and many other instruments, bands and drama.
We are an independent, community-based, not-for-profit organisation, which was originally established in 1950. Throughout this time we have been generously supported by the Hobart City Council, with our 'base camp' for most of the competition being at the Hobart Town Hall. We also enjoy our large choir and band sections being held at the Federation Concert Hall, home of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.
We have a small volunteer Executive who oversee and manage the Eisteddfod programming and a dedicated group of volunteers who run the competition events and Highlights Concert.
We receive generous support through our sponsors and private citizens along with income from the entry fees, ticket sales and advertising on our website and featured on our Facebook page. The City of Hobart Eisteddfod Society is a registered charity in Tasmania and is listed on the federal Register of Cultural Organisations eligible to receive tax-deductible donations.
We could not operate without all of these wonderful volunteers and sponsors supporting the running and financing of the Eisteddfod.
Of course, all of this activity and support is focused on providing opportunities to showcase emerging and established performing artists across a wide range of instruments, voice and dramatic genres. We have major awards and generous cash prizes for the highest achievers, such as the Open Music Theatre Award, Open Operatic Aria Award, Open Instrumental Recital Award and Open Piano Recital Award.
We keep in touch through our website, e-mailed updates and on Facebook - and we'd love to hear from you, so please visit our 'Say Hello' page or email us on: secretary@hobarteisteddfod.net.au
Patrons
The Right Honorable the Lord Mayor Councillor Anna M Reynolds
Mrs Frances Underwood
Executive COMMITTEE
President: Francis Cronin
Vice President: Julie Raphael
Treasurer: Amy Crosby
Secretary: Helen Cronin (Operations Manager & Public Officer)
Assistant Secretary: Chris Cronin
Hobart City Council Representative: Not filled
“The Eisteddfod provides a wonderful opportunity for young performers to build confidence, hone stage presence and of course receive authentic feedback from nationally respected adjudicators.”
“If I cannot fly, let me sing”
“Music . . . can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.”
LIFE MEMBERS
Lyall Beven OAM
Ruth Brammall
Maureen Hiscutt
Victoria Burley
Elizabeth Eden
Siebrand Petrusma
Annette Stilwell OAM
Diane Thomson
Lesley Tilley
Jenny Wilkinson
Judi Forsyth
🥀 IN MEMORIUM 🥀
Mavis Beven (Brinckman) July 1928 - March 2024
Life Member
Mavis Beven was born in Hobart in July 1928. At the age of 11 she sang for troops at the old Brighton camp and after a period as a child entertainer, she undertook vocal training. At the age of 22 she began her career as a soprano performing both locally and nationally under her maiden name, Mavis Brinckman.
For the next 34 years, Mavis performed in many leading roles for the National Theatre and Fine Arts Society, the Elizabethan Trust Opera, the Theatre Royal Light Opera Company, ABC Television, the Tasmanian Opera Company, and the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music.
Mavis was one of Tasmania’s leading sopranos from the 1950s to the 1980s. She has made an outstanding contribution to the musical and theatrical life of Tasmania. In the 1950s she was offered the opportunity to join the Elizabethan Trust Opera (forerunner to Opera Australia) as a soloist. However, with a young family, she decided to stay in Tasmania, ensuring Tasmanian musical and theatrical audiences could enjoy an artist of national quality.
As well as continuing her professional career in Tasmania, Mavis performed concerts for the Derwent Regional Library from 1980-94 and for many years, delighted residents at the Glenview Home for the aged with her performances.
In 1980, Mavis became an active member of the City of Hobart Eisteddfod Society where she performed many roles and was awarded life membership. Mavis was also a Life Member of the Arts Club, Hobart, and served in a number of roles within that organisation.
Mavis was well respected within the Tasmanian musical and theatrical communities and inspired and supported many young artists who have gone on to acquire national and international success.
When she retired from her professional stage career, Mavis and her husband perform at an annual concert at Wrest Point Casino that always draws a large and appreciative audience.
Mavis is survived by her husband, and also Life Member of the Hobart Eisteddfod, Mr Lyall Bevan.
Photo & article directly quoted from the “Honour Roll of Women” https://www.women.tas.gov.au
