s e l i f o r P i n lA um
Congratulations to Cathy Rogers OAM (Favaloro, Class of 1962) A passion for encouraging young musicians. Cathy graduated from Korowa in 1962 and was one of five Favaloro sisters to attend the School! In 1963, Cathy was awarded an American Field Scholarship to spend a year in the USA and upon her return completed an Arts/ Social Work degree at the University of Melbourne. Cathy worked in Australia and the UK as a social worker across many fields. Her experience working with families led to her establishing a cross-cultural consultancy with her husband, Peter, in 1990, which they jointly ran until 2015 when the business was transferred to the staff. From an early age, Cathy had piano lessons and after her marriage, she became organist at her local church, subsequently taking lessons at St Paul’s Cathedral. There she gave several recitals and in time completed her A Mus A in organ. Throughout her adult life, Cathy has devoted herself to supporting talented young musicians. She regularly opens her home for musicians to stay and perform, many of whom would have otherwise struggled to maintain their careers. She has hosted regular fundraising events and volunteered countless hours to the Melbourne International Chamber Music competition, as board member, Director and subsequently Deputy Chair. Her work has helped enhance Australia’s cultural reputation and elevated chamber music internationally. Cathy’s passion for music extends beyond chamber music or indeed professional musicians – she regularly hosts community concerts, where children of varying abilities receive her enthusiastic support and the opportunity to play on a wonderful piano. All Cathy’s roles in music have been voluntary. Her joy in helping young musicians is obvious. It is Cathy’s tireless work in this area over almost two decades that in 2020 earned her an OAM in the June Queen’s Birthday Honours for service to Chamber Music. The School motto has always been a guiding principle for Cathy, though she claims the reward (the palm), far outweighed the effort (the dust).
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