The Accompanists’ Guild of South Australia Inc. was founded in 1983 as a non-profit organisation. Its objectives are to promote the status of the accompanist, to encourage and assist in establishing a unity of purpose and the maintenance of high ideals amongst accompanists in South Australia.
It also provides a point of contact for accompanists and other musical groups on matters of mutual interest. The Guild organises programs throughout the year in which various aspects of the art of accompanying are discussed and demonstrated, using South Australian performers and guest artists from interstate or overseas.
Guild projects currently include
- YAS: Young Accompanists’ Showcase
- JEM: Junior Ensemble Musicians
- Accompanists’ Festival
- Accompanists’ Conference
- Musicians in Residence
- The Geoffrey Parsons Award
- Repetiteur Mentorships with State Opera (occasional)
- Professional Development seminars
- Performance opportunities for members
- Fundraising activities
- Annual dinner – Geoffrey Parsons Award fundraiser
- The maintenance of our website: www.accompanist.org.au
- Bi-monthly broadcasts on matters related to the art of the accompanist on Radio 5MBS 99.9 FM
- Lobbying for the provision of improved opportunities for the accompanist
- Publication of the Register of Accompanists (biennial)
- Advertising the services of members through the hard copy Register and on the Website
- Distribution of the Register to a wide range of institutions, teachers etc. requiring accompanists
- Advocacy for our members (We are unable to provide legal assistance)