Kristyn Comino
2 April 2015: Award-winning music festival director and violinist Christopher Latham added another string to his bow when he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Canberra today.
"This honorary doctorate is a great kindness given to me and it means a lot. To have my work recognised through receiving a University of Canberra honorary doctorate is very gratifying; it validates what I've done," Dr Latham said.
Dr Latham is best known locally as artistic director of the Canberra International Music Festival from 2009-2014, for which he was named Canberra Critics' Circle Artist of the Year in 2013.
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Christopher Latham was awarded a UC honorary degree at Parliament House. Photo: Michelle McAulay
He is currently music director of the Gallipoli Symphony, a ten-year project that will culminate in concerts premiered as part of the 2015 ANZAC Centenary. For the next four years he will be an ANZAC Fellow, exploring and researching the music and art of World War I and also taking on a reciprocal role with the French Government.
In speaking to the University's latest graduates at his commencement address, the curator, composer and conductor advised them that the secret to success is to make good work – and for them to trust their curiosity in choosing what that work is.
"If you want to be good at something, pursue what interests you. Pay great attention to what captures your imagination. Trust your curiosity – it will lead you towards an interesting working life," he said.
"Find your truth and live it. The world so thirsts for authenticity that if you really succeed in being yourself, you will be noticed."
Having studied for ten years in the US, Dr Latham holds a Master of Chamber Music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. After he completed his studies, he travelled the world as a musician with the Australian Chamber Orchestra in the 90s.
Dr Latham praised the University for the calibre of its students and graduates, particularly those in the architecture fields who he previously worked with alongside their lecturer Ann Cleary for the Amazing Space series, which showcased music in interesting architectural spaces around Canberra. For this project Dr Latham was awarded the Australian Institute of Architects Clem Cummins Medal for services to architecture by a non-architect.
"It was a cross-arts collaboration that brought spaces to life in a way that hasn't been done before. It was like hearing architecture rather than seeing it. I really enjoyed working with the architecture staff, students and graduates at UC – they are the best and brightest I've ever seen."
Read about more of our recent graduates:
Double up: twins earn same degrees
PhD on preserving precious paper
Gait study grad steps out with PhD
Brumbies star scores sports media degree
