Sir Bernard Heinze AC

Sir Bernard Heinze AC KT (1894-1982) was a conductor who brought classical music to the general public and promoted the works of Australian composers. Born in Shepparton, Victoria, Heinze won a scholarship to London's Royal College of Music in 1912 and later studied in Paris and Berlin, before touring Europe as a violinist with a string quartet. Returning to Melbourne in 1925 to take up an appointment as Ormond Professor at the Melbourne University Conservatorium, he formed and conducted the Melbourne University Symphony Orchestra, which later became part of the Victorian Symphony Orchestra. Appointed director general of music at the newly established ABC in 1929, Heinze shaped its musical program for several decades and was influential in the ABC's decision to establish groups of musicians in each state which were the forerunners of the state orchestras. He initiated and conducted Young People's Concerts in all capital cities and supervised the ABC's Youth Orchestra concerts for more than thirty years. Heinze served as Director of the NSW Conservatorium of Music from 1957 to1965 and was Australian of the Year in 1975.

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Dr Ray Marginson AM 2001
© Andor and Michael Meszaros