NOW a leading figure in the much-loved Hastings Koalas Orchestra, conductor Sarah Butler’s musical talents have taken her across the globe.
She spent 10 years as the principal trumpet player with Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Head of Brass at the Queensland Conservatorium at Griffith University, before moving to Port Macquarie in 2023.
Sarah now lives with her husband and daughter on a small farm at Bellangry, where they are embracing the benefits of a small community.
Originally from New Zealand where she trained at Auckland University, Sarah travelled to the United Kingdom where she gained a Masters with Distinction at Trinity College of Music, London.
She has played with the Royal Opera House Orchestra, English National Ballet, London Concert Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Now a freelance musician, Sarah conducts ensembles at St Joseph’s Regional College, where she is Leader of Co-curricular Music, and teaches trumpet and brass at St Columba Anglican School and conducts their concert band.
She is also leading and conducting the Hastings Koalas Orchestra, which has been a well-loved institution in Port Macquarie since it was formed in 1988 for Australia’s bicentenary.
Patricia Johnson OAM, the orchestra’s founding conductor, musical director and president, said, “We are very privileged to secure someone of Sarah’s calibre to so generously share her time and expertise with us.”
Looking forward, Sarah has big dreams for the local musical group.
“We are a small but enthusiastic group and we are hoping to rekindle the orchestra,” she said.
”We want to engage members of the community, families who may have played in the orchestra in the past, to come along and make music together.
“We would love to have some strings as we continue to grow the orchestra.”
In conjunction with Port Macquarie’s Sister City of Handa, orchestra members have taken a tour to Japan every two years since 1989 and are preparing for the next trip in 2027.
Orchestra rehearsals are Wednesdays from 5-6.30pm at St Joseph’s Regional College.
By Pauline CAIN
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