Mary Vallentine AO receives Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award

Mary Vallentine AO, one of Australia's most distinguished arts administrators, is the recipient of the 2016 Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award. The award, presented annually by the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and a committee that includes membership from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO), was presented to Vallentine during the 'MSO Plays Tchaikovsky' Concert at Melbourne's Hamer Hall on Friday, 17 March. Professor Gary McPherson, Ormond Chair of Music and Director of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, said Ms Vallentine's sustained contribution to arts administration in Australia spoke for itself. 'Among her many credits, as CEO of the Melbourne Recital Centre from 2010 to 2016, she championed diverse programming and deep collaboration with Melbourne's music community, with a sustained focus on building both audiences and philanthropic support. We are delighted to be able to honour Mary in this way,' he said. Mary Vallentine's arts administration career has lasted more than 30 years. A graduate in music and drama from the University of Sydney and UNSW, she worked with the Australian Council for the Arts and Musica Viva Australia before becoming Administrator of the Adelaide Festival (1978-82) then General Manager of the State Theatre Company of SA (1982-4).