JUST weeks after our report on October 12 that Music for Canberra had appointed Dr Nicole Hammill and Rachel Gould as artistic co-convenors, comes news from the organisation that Hammill has resigned for “personal reasons”.

Previously strings coordinator at the Mitchell Conservatorium in Bathurst, she is also a former soloist, concertmaster and principal first violin with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, and holds a doctorate of musical arts from Louisiana State University.

An official message from the MFC office reads, “Whilst we are sad to see Nicole go, we wish her all the best with her future endeavours and thank her for all of the work that she has done in the role thus far. All of our offerings – from our private lessons to ensembles and orchestras – will continue to run as normal”.

Hammill’s departure follows several years of executive staff turnover at MFC, so the message hastened to assure members and supporters of the organisation, which is the umbrella for Canberra Youth Orchestra and the James McCusker Orchestra, would seek to fill this role as quickly as possible to ensure maximum continuity.