As part of our 60th birthday campaign this year, we're revisiting our rich heritage to recognise the people, partners, and landmark projects that have shaped our success.

In this special episode of #OLTeaBreak, our Communications Officer, Faith Dias Neto, chats with Stuart Bruce, our Senior Creative Producer, as he reflects on over three decades with the organisation.

Stuart was appointed as the Eastern Orchestral Board’s first Education Manager in 1990, a strategic role which evolved into his current position as Senior Creative Producer. Over 35 years, he has co-produced hundreds of projects with numerous orchestras, artists, production partners, audiences and community groups, particularly in culturally under-invested parts of the country.

Stuart shares how Orchestras Live evolved from its roots as the Eastern Authorities Orchestral Association (EAOA) and how he helped shape the organisation's early education and community work. Highlighting key turning points and pioneering moments with composers like Tunde Jegede, Stuart reflects on how our work has continually pushed the boundaries of what an orchestra can be.

The conversation explores the early development of our work in creative health and the power of storytelling in projects that amplify underrepresented voices, including Able Orchestra, Deaf Perspectives, and Hear and Now.

Looking to the future, Stuart shares his hopes for how Orchestras Live can continue to lead positive change across the sector at a time when the need for inclusive, community-driven music-making is greater than ever.

"The need for Orchestras Live is even greater than ever now."

#OLTeaBreak