After growing up in homes filled with classical music, alumnus Dr Rod Roberts and his wife, Cecile Roberts, have found a unique way to share their love of the arts.
Since 2018, they have supported seven exceptional music performers through the Ossa Music Prize and showcased this talent in communities throughout Tasmania.
Named after Tasmania’s highest mountain peak, the prize supports a student or a small ensemble of students to pursue excellence in musicianship and performance, with additional support provided for a statewide tour.
“We play no part in the selection process, but we get a lot of joy from attending the performances and furthering the careers of performers,” Rod said.
Although Rod’s background is in commerce, he was drawn to supporting the arts and spreading the joy of live performance to regional communities.
“Writers, performers and musicians make important contributions to society. How many politicians do you remember from the 1700s?
"But most people remember Mozart."
Pianist and recent University of Tasmania Bachelor of Music with Honours graduate Miffy Wang won the award in 2025 for an innovative performance that included a collaboration with, then fine arts honours student, Audrey Carter.
“I was grateful for the solo piano tour where I performed my program celebrating Tasmanian composers,” Miffy said.
“It felt very special because the Tassie music I chose was inspired by local landscapes and culture, so it resonated with the audience – it’s really a sonic expression of our unique outlook.
Two of the composers were Adjunct Professor Don Kay AM, who was previously the Head of the Conservatorium of Music at the University of Tasmania, and Associate Professor Maria Grenfell, a composer at the Conservatorium of Music.
“It’s so special to perform pieces written by University of Tasmania staff,” she said. “I was also very grateful because the prize enabled Audrey and I to tour around the State – the audience absolutely loved it.”
Miffy commissioned Audrey to paint original works based on the music she played and on Audrey’s own experience growing up in Tasmania. The paintings were then exhibited while Miffy performed.
In addition to performing in Stanley, Launceston, Swansea and Hobart, Miffy performed in Queenstown, Tasmania, a tour extension made possible thanks to the generosity of the Stoermer family.
Their gift was in memory of Margaret Stoermer, an opera singer and pianist. Like the Roberts, music has always been in the Stoermer’s family.
Christian Stoermer, the son of Margaret, said, “We felt it would make Queenstown feel a little more valued or equal, with a greater sense of equality when it came to the arts, so they’re not forgotten.”
He believes the arts should be for all people – all ages and all social backgrounds. “Musicians of Miffy’s standard coming to Queenstown is very much appreciated. It’s capturing something of the glory days,” he said.
For Miffy, it was very special to perform up in Queenstown.
“I felt I was performing in memory of Margaret Stoermer – it made the performance even more memorable.”
Miffy Wang
Winning the Ossa prize has made a long-lasting impact on Miffy’s musical journey.
“This support has directly contributed to my achievements and has helped make my dream of further education come true,” she said.
“And touring Tasmania is such a fond memory, which I will remember forever.”
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