In September, the University celebrates and pays tribute to one of our own, Geoffrey Collins.

As former Principal Flute of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and Guest Principal in other Australian orchestras, Geoffrey has been at the forefront of music-making in this country. Geoffrey has made a significant and long-lasting contribution to our UNSW community. A valued member of the Australia Ensemble, he has performed at UNSW and on stages around the world for 40 years with the ensemble.

With Geoffrey moving into retirement, he has made the decision to step back from the ensemble’s subscription season. We take this opportunity to say thank you to Geoffrey for his contribution and to celebrate a truly remarkable career.

Speaking with peers Dene Olding and Irena Morozova about Geoffrey and his time with the ensemble, Dene says “I first met Geoffrey in Australia prior to his joining the Australia Ensemble in 1983. We asked him to join the Ensemble as a permanent member, not only because of his spectacular flute playing and musicianship, but also because he is a wonderful colleague with whom to work and one with a tremendous work ethic.

When I think of Geoffrey I think of his passion for music, his vast knowledge of repertoire and someone who is never unprepared. He has maintained his enthusiasm for his craft over these many decades and his championing of contemporary music, especially Australian contemporary music, has been outstanding. Through his solo work, his membership of the Australia Ensemble and other groups such as Flederman, he has enriched the flute repertoire magnificently.

Most of all, I think of him as a friend and someone who can always be relied on. Geoffrey has always been the most dependable and fair-minded colleague. I admire him tremendously for those qualities and thank him profoundly for his collegiate approach to music-making“.

Dene’s thoughts are whole-heartedly shared by the full MPU Team. A true professional Geoffrey has been a master on stage, and a joy to work with behind the scenes.  We thank you Geoffrey for the incredible gift of music you’ve given us, and for the friendship along the way.

Reminiscing about the many days on the road and touring with the ensemble.  Dene says, “We have shared innumerable magical moments as members of the Australia Ensemble, especially in the early years when we were touring extensively in far-flung places. I still remember, in days before the internet, Irena and Geoffrey fighting over the European train timetables to be the first to find the best way to get to the next concert.” Irena agrees adding (Geoffrey) my partner in crime not only in a thousand games of 500, but also squabbling over which was the best/cheapest/shortest route between too many cities to list. Continuing Irena says “I’ve known Geoffrey since we were at the Con high school. I have always admired Geoffrey’s playing, musicianship and professionalism…. our friendship has meant a lot to me - constant and caring - so I am grateful Geoffrey will still be around in Sydney doing whatever he chooses in this next chapter of his life.” 

Geoffrey, we thank and congratulate you, on what has been a distinguished and memorable career.