Radio station 2MBS Fine Music Sydney opened its doors to its share secrets of longevity.
Tucked away in the back streets of St Leonards, Fine Music 2MBS Sydney has been broadcasting for almost 50 years to over 400,000 listeners.
Back in 1974, a small group of music lovers was granted Australia’s first FM broadcasting licence with the aim of broadcasting high-quality music across Sydney. And they’ve been doing it ever since.
The station is listener-supported and relies on subscribers and donations to bring classical and jazz to music lovers. To build a closer bond with their loyal supporters and welcome new listeners, 2MBS recently held a studio open day.
Visitors enjoyed behind-the-scenes tours and watched live broadcasts. Some even tried their hand at being ‘DJ for a day’. There were live performances too from the Sydney Mandolin Quartet and Australian pianist Gerard Willems.
“It was a hefty effort to get it all together, but we were astonished by the number of people who came through the doors,” said 2MBS chairman, Robert Gilchrist. “The result was many new subscribers and donations.”
Governor of New South Wales, the Honourable Margaret Beazley, is 2MBS patron and joined about 160 listeners on the day. “She’s a mad jazz fan, apparently,” Mr Gilchrist said.
The station invests in future musicians by offering two 12-month residencies to help musicians build their professional profiles. Aspiring musicians can also apply for the $10,000 Ken Weatherley Jazz scholarship.
2MBS is already planning next year’s 50th anniversary.
“That is the real big celebration,” Mr Gilchrist said.
“We might even engage a composer to write a piece of music for us.
“There are big plans.”
By Aoife Moynihan