NSW Supreme Court to celebrate first sitting’s bicentennial with concert

The NSW Supreme Court is set to celebrate the bicentennial of its first sitting with a special concert by the Sydney Lawyers Orchestra this week. 

The show will take place on Friday at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and will feature music composed by former Supreme Court judge and composer George Palmer. 

“The programme really takes in key moments in the Court’s 200-year history. We won’t just play the music; we will explain the meaning behind each composition”, explained conductor Thomas Jones, who is a partner at Bird & Bird. “We are proud to help celebrate this important milestone in the life of the Court and our nation. As the Chief Justice’s bicentenary speech pointed out, in law, as in music, people working together can make a huge difference. Our concert is about how music, like law, helps our history come to life and makes our lives better”. 

The orchestra will also play works from Beethoven and other Australian and European composers. The NSW Bar Choir and soprano Ellen McNeil are also on the bill. 

“In celebrating the Bicentenary of the NSW Supreme Court, we acknowledge the profound cultural connection between the law and music. Both disciplines, though distinct, share a common pursuit of harmony, justice, and expression. This milestone is not only a testament to the enduring legacy of our legal system but also a celebration of the arts that enrich cultural heritage”, Chief Justice Andrew Bell said. 

Members of the Sydney Lawyers Orchestra include barristers, judge’s associates, partners, senior associates, lawyers and paralegals from Bird & Bird, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Allens, Gadens, Clayton Utz, Norton Rose Fulbright, Gilbert + Tobin and King & Wood Mallesons.