Ninety-year-old composer Dr Paul Paviour OAM had lost none of his touch as he played the 'Goulburn Waltz' piano duet with Ingrid Neubrandt.
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Earlier, six-year-old Wollondilly Public School student Aysha Mancell participated in a moving acknowledgement of country and movement performance.
Together, they made history on Friday night as the oldest and youngest people to play before a packed crowd at Goulburn's new performing arts centre.
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An excited buzz filled the air as the $18.95 million facility opened with a gala performance before the nation's Governor General, David Hurley AC DSC (Ret'd) and wife, Linda, Hume MP Angus Taylor Mayor Peter Walker, councillors, civic leaders and up to 400 invited guests.
The Brewster Hjorth designed facility came after seven years of planning and two years' construction. Built by Zauner Constructions, it adaptively reuses and adds to the 1887 former town hall designed by prolific Goulburn architect, EC Manfred.
Emcee Warren Brown said he was "floored" by what he described as an "exceptional piece of civic infrastructure."
"This facility is a triumph of imagination, creativity and of architectural and engineering excellence that has successfully incorporated Goulburn's unique rural heritage," he told the crowd.
"...As word filters out the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre (GPAC), it will be the envy of regional cities across Australia."
The word 'amazing' flowed freely as patrons took in the 400-seat auditorium, equipped with fly-tower, lighting bridges and opera pit, a front-of house cafe, box office, 'The Meeting Place' wine bar and performance space, leading to a glass atrium full of stories about Goulburn's history.
"It's one of the better things the council has done," theatre-goer Pat Saint George said.
"Goulburn has been crying out for something like this for years. I can't believe it's finally here."
GPAC manager Raina Savage said it had been a race to the finish line but the facility addressed a major gap in the cultural life of a "growing and vibrant community." With the capability to host a wide variety of local, national and internationals acts, she believed it would transform the performing arts landscape and unlock opportunities for people.
"This is vitally important to me as it addresses the cultural divide of the haves and have nots that has existed for a long time. (The GPAC) will provide equity of access to everyone," she said.
'Entrancing' concert
That variety was there for all to see in the opening night performance, REeNTRANCE.
Directed by Alfie and Alecia Walker, it united more than 60 local performers from Goulburn's arts and theatrical groups across dance, drama, storytelling, song, costumes, stage craft and music.
It's central theme, an Aboriginal message stick, reinforced that Goulburn's artistic life was thriving.
"It's a performance by the community, for the community, bringing together all the different groups," Mr Walker said.
"It highlights what a professional resource we have here for the community to use."
The concert included a musical mega mix, an hilarious Lieder Theatre 'abridged' production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, a dance duet by Zac Bladwell and Hannah Cotton, harp and flute solos, a stirring group dance by Rocky Hill Musical Theatre Company and Industry Dance Co and a rock finale, Learning to Fly by Goulburn Regional Conservatorium, symbolising the performing arts' next step in Goulburn.
Mr and Mrs Hurley enjoyed the performance from a prime position.
Earlier, Mr Hurley had spoken about the importance of arts in society.
"Arts is not only for the elite in Australia...it is something for the common man, something we all love to do because it reaches inside us," he said.
"...To me, this PAC is a fine example of how communities work, how volunteers come together with paid staff and good leadership and produce something that is central to the community's core. This is where humanity resides - right here in this building."
Mayor Peter Walker acknowledged the architects, builders, contractors, council staff, numerous volunteers and past and present councillors in achieving "a region shaping project."
"In all the teams I've been involved with across various industries I've never witnessed a lady as passionate about the GPAC as Raina Savage is," he said.
"There is something for everyone and she's a great advocate as manager."
Cr Walker also recognised more than $5m in state funding and $1m in federal money for the facility.
Mrs Tuckerman described the PAC as a "piece de resistance" that would open doors for the arts community, develop the tourism, events and hospitality sectors and create employment and economic spin-offs.
"I expect this important milestone will transform the region's cultural life with the many upcoming performances. Schools and groups will also be able to perform in a wonderful, high standard (space)," she said.
Mrs Tuckerman told the crowd it would be remiss not to acknowledge former mayor Bob Kirk and past general manager, Warwick Bennett for their work on the project. Mr Bennett had come up with the original idea to adapt the old town hall. He was an apology for the event.
Mr Taylor applauded the facility as a celebration of the old and new, a theme echoed throughout Goulburn Mulwaree.
"What a proud day for all of us and Goulburn. It's been a long time coming but it was worth the wait," he said.
Goulburn resident and music and theatre buff Kim Stamatellis gave the GPAC the thumbs up.
"It looks awesome," she said.
"If there's a show on every week, I'll be here. It takes a whole day to see a show in Sydney or Canberra but now we have this right here on our doorstep. I hope people support it."
The concert was repeated on Saturday night for the community. A free family fun day will be held on April 2, followed by the official season launch that evening. Already, more than 60 shows have been booked for the first year.
For more information and to purchase tickets for upcoming shows, visit www.goulburnpac.com.au
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