The Sydney Symphony Orchestra Joins Forces with Renowned Sydney Designer and Swarovski to Raise Money for Music Education

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra has collaborated with award-winning designer Jonathan Howard from Hatmaker and Swarovski to create a special Christmas gift to raise money for music education this holiday season.

Limited Edition items with crystals from Swarovski as well as an exclusive Swarovski crystal-drop tree ornament are available for purchase on the SSO website, with all profits supporting the orchestra's Learning & Engagement programs reaching more than 35,000 young people each year.

Howard, founder of Sydney millinery label "Hatmaker", has previously created designs for the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, Miranda Kerr, Orlando Bloom and Yoko Ono. As part of the collaboration he visited the Sydney Opera House to watch Sydney Symphony Orchestra Chief Conductor and Artistic Director David Robertson rehearse with the SSO and used his experience to create a Limited Edition brooch and cufflinks with crystals from Swarovski.

"Watching the SSO rehearsals was a unique experience," Howard says. "This is my first brooch and cufflink design; the inspiration for these pieces comes from the many points in the rehearsal visit, including flourishes of instruments and the music itself but essentially the movement of conductor and orchestra. The cufflinks are simple and are taken from a turn in the brooch.

I was drawn to conductor David Robertson's connection with the orchestra. Meeting him was a rock star moment - I am a fan! We chatted all things from hats, to the baton and the creative process."

Sydney Symphony Orchestra Managing Director Rory Jeffes said the orchestra was excited to explore this new approach to fundraising through this innovative collaboration.

"This fundraising project is very much a first for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra," Mr Jeffes said. "We thank Jonathan Howard for donating his time and creativity and Swarovski Professional for their generous support of this initiative to raise funds for our music education programs."

A spokesperson for Swarovski® said the company was proud to be a part of this collaboration with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and renowned Sydney designer Jonathan Howard.

"Swarovski is delighted to have added sparkle in aid of such a meaningful cause."

Go behind-the-scenes with Howard at the Sydney Opera House as he explains his creative process in this VIDEO.

Visit the SSO SHOP to purchase these Limited Edition pieces.

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