News » Building the arts

More than seventy of Unico’s staff, clients and partners were recently treated to an exclusive recital by prize-winning young chamber music ensemble the Navarra Quartet.

The quartet was in Melbourne to compete in the Fifth Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition, where they won second prize in the string quartet stream.

As part of its commitment to building communities and fostering a sense of interest and diversity amongst its staff, Unico decided to sponsor the quartet’s appearance at the competition. Sponsoring a single ensemble in a smaller arts event provided a personal touch that was appreciated by Unico’s staff, who had the opportunity to meet and talk with a world-class ensemble one-on-one rather than simply hearing them from afar in a concert environment. Following their performance, the quartet went on to win second prize at the competition with performances of Beethoven and Shostakovich.

John Rowland, Managing Director of Unico, says that the arts play a vital role in a community’s sense of itself:

“Looking back through history, the great legacies that are remembered through the ages are those produced by the arts, whether literature, music or the visual arts. These are what define the age that we live in. Therefore it’s vitally important that the arts receive support, not just from government, but from companies such as Unico who are committed to investing in the community at large.”

Benjamin Woodroffe, General Manager of Chamber Music Australia, the organisation responsible for running the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition, says that corporate sponsorship makes a huge difference to small arts organisations:

“Without the support offered by companies like Unico, the not-for-profit arts sector would not be able to host world-class, internationally regarded events such as the competition.“

Unico plans to continue its association with the arts and the staff who heard and met the Navarra Quartet will follow their career with keen interest.