Long time Charles Darwin University (CDU) identity and Darwin Symphony Orchestra (DSO) artistic director/conductor, Martin Jarvis, has been honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia as a part of the 2007 Australia Day honours.
Associate Professor Jarvis was recognised for his service to the arts as the founder, artistic director and conductor of the Darwin Symphony Orchestra, and to music education.
‘I am very proud indeed to have received such recognition and greatly appreciate the kind words of support given by all those who were part of the nomination process,’ he said.
One of only nine Territorians recognised, Associate Professor Jarvis is the sole CDU identity to be acknowledged in the annual honours listing this year.
‘Whilst I am the recipient of this award, I believe what it really recognises is the unstinting support of the DSO by the University,’ he explained.
‘Without such support there would not have been a DSO, and the hard work and commitment of the University music staff and the many individuals who have played with the DSO since the early days – one has to remember that the conductor makes no sound.’
CDU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Helen Garnett, said that the prestigious honour was a fitting recognition of Associate Professor Jarvis’ many years with the University and DSO.
‘Martin’s contribution to the arts in the top end has been substantial and in a very real way he has shaped and been the face of classical music in the Territory.’
In 1971 the Welsh born violinist won a place at both the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music, both in London, choosing the former as his place of study.
Since his arrival at Darwin in 1988, Associate Professor Jarvis has received a number of awards, in particular a Centenary Medal in 2003 for services to Australian Society.