Staff and students outside the Con, 1916. Photo: State Library of New South Wales.
Based in the former stables of old Government House, a crenelated, castle-like structure designed by convict architect Francis Greenway, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music – affectionately known as ‘the Con’ – has launched the careers of countless musicians since hosting its first classes on 6 March 1916, with around 320 students.