In July 2024, the resonant notes of a flute filled St Stephen’s Uniting Church in Sydney. It was a fitting tribute to Deirdre Greatorex (née Hall), an exceptional woman whose life intertwined music, generosity, and a deep faith. Among the gathered mourners were students from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music (the Con), who performed to honour her remarkable legacy.
In 2023, the Deirdre Hall Scholarship was established, which supports aspiring flute players at the Con, reflecting Deirdre’s deep passion for music and her unwavering belief in nurturing young talent. The scholarship’s first recipient, student Kara Thorpe, was announced in 2024. She will undertake a Bachelor of Music (Performance) specialising in the flute.
Deirdre Hall's life of generosity
Born in 1933 in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Deirdre Hall was immersed in music from a young age. Her father, a professional violinist turned conductor, instilled in her a deep appreciation for music, which she carried into her career.
Deirdre became a founding member of the Sydney Flute Society in the 1970s and rose to the position of Principal Flute with the Australian Opera Orchestra (formerly the Elizabethan Trust Orchestra). Beyond her professional achievements, she spent 33 years as a volunteer guide at the Art Gallery of NSW, sharing her passion for the arts.
Her husband of over six decades, Dr David Greatorex AO (BA Honours '55), spoke lovingly of her generosity and warmth, mentioning her joyful personality and their shared passion for sport in addition to music.
“Deirdre was a person who gave fully of herself - to her family, her friends, and her community,” he said. “Whether it was her music, her faith, or her incredible ability to connect with people, she left a lasting impression wherever she went.”
David also reflected on Deirdre’s enduring grace and kindness, traits that drew admiration throughout her life. “Even strangers would stop her on the street to comment on her elegance,” he said. “She had this extraordinary presence that made people feel special.”
Deirdre’s passion for nurturing others was a cornerstone of her life. After her studies at the Con, she remained closely connected to the institution. Establishing the scholarship in her name was a natural extension of her lifelong commitment to helping others.
“Deirdre knew how challenging the journey can be for musicians,” David explained. “She wanted to ease that path for others, to give them the chance to achieve what she had and more.”
Deirdre knew how challenging the journey can be for musicians. She wanted to ease that path for others, to give them the chance to achieve what she had and more.
Dr David Greatorex AO
Kara carries forward a legacy
Kara’s journey to the Conservatorium wasn’t a straightforward one. While her love for the flute began in childhood, she initially considered a more traditional career path.
“I had my heart really set on doing medicine as a degree. So, I ended up quitting the flute and doing a medical degree. I did a year of that, and I just found myself really missing the flute, which I hadn't expected,” Kara said. “I’d been thinking - I'll do medicine, I'll get a stable job, but my heart kept pulling me towards music.”
Kara admitted following her heart was the right decision to make, especially as she is currently being taught by one of Australia’s finest flautists, Emma Sholl. “I find it so inspiring being taught by Emma,” Kara said. “She has a wealth of knowledge, not only about orchestral playing, but flute playing in general. So, it's been a real privilege to work with her.”
As well as being a Lecturer in Flute at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Emma Sholl has held the position of Associate Principal Flute with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra since 2003.
Kara, who moved from her home in Tasmania to Sydney to study at the Con, is making the most of the Deirdre Hall Scholarship to support her journey as a flautist. The money will be put to covering essential expenses such as flute servicing to accessing high-level mentorship and resources. She is also saving for her first professional flute - a significant investment for any musician. “A top-quality flute can cost as much as a car,” Kara explained.
Kara is inspired daily by Deirdre’s story and the generosity of her family. “It’s special to know she forged a similar path and her legacy is supporting me,” Kara said.
Deirdre setting up to play in the pit at the Sydney Opera House. Photo supplied by the family of Deirdre Greatorex (née Hall).
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At Deirdre’s memorial service, her life was celebrated through the music she loved. Conservatorium students sang alongside the church choir, and Jane Bishop, a Conservatorium alum, performed on the flute.
A flute rested atop Deirdre’s coffin, a simple but powerful symbol of her lifelong connection to the instrument.
“It was the perfect way to say goodbye to Deirdre,” David said. “Music was such an essential part of her life - it brought her joy, meaning, and connection. I know she would have been moved by the beauty of that day.”
Hero image: Deirdre at music camp in 1956. Photo supplied by the family of Deirdre Greatorex (née Hall).
Deirdre's family remember a woman with "extraordinary presence that made people feel special". Photo supplied by the family of Deidre Greatorex (née Hall).
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