Australian Chamber Orchestra Leader Richard Tognetti Awarded 'Keys to the City'

Australian violinist Richard Tognetti has been awarded the 'Keys to the City' of Wollongong - in recognition to his excellence in service to the Australian Chamber Orchestra

Australian violinist and conductor Richard Tognetti has this week been awarded the 'Keys to the City' of Wollongong, in Australia - in recognition to his excellence in service to the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

Richard has served as the Artistic Director and Leader of the Australian Chamber Orchestra for 30 years – and is widely credited with having grown the ensemble into one of the finest chamber orchestras in the world.

"Richard is well deserving of this recognition from the City of Wollongong ... he began his studies in Wollongong and while his career has seen him travel the globe, and lead the Australian Chamber Orchestra for 30 years, he has never forgotten his hometown," Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery has this week said.

"It is a great honour to receive the keys to my home city ..." the 54-year-old violinist has this week said.

"The Orchestra have had the privilege of performing in the Town Hall many times as part of our national subscription season - and I look forward to when we can perform to the people of Wollongong again," he has said.

The seaside city, the 10th largest in Australia, lies 42 miles south of Sydney.