Jonathan Billingham has been named the 2016-2018 Manning Winter Festival ambassador.
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The musician and composer, who grew up in Taree, was given the honour at the festival launch on Friday.
He also received a standing ovation for the performance of his orchestral composition From Hidden Valleys to the Open Sea, which he was commissioned to create for the occasion.
Jonathan is a strong advocate for music and the performing arts.
He attributes much of his success to the skills local music teachers Juen Van Hand, Margery Bonsor, Don Secomb and Pam Archer.
“Not every country town or regional centre offers the range of opportunities for young people to participate in the performing arts as is the case in Taree,” he said.
“This is because of the dedicated teachers and volunteers who work tirelessly to perpetuate a creative culture in the region.”
Jonathan graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Hons) from the University of NSW in 2009.
He majored in composition under prominent Australian composer, Dr John Peterson.
