Tag: Grand Parade

Stephen Hall was referred to with great fondness as ‘Festival Hall’, a statement of his extraordinary reign, leading Sydney Festival for 18 consecutive years. It was under his guidance that Sydney Festival flourished from a small community celebration to a unique blend of international theatre, music and dance – sitting alongside food festivals, a ferry race and major free outdoor concerts.

It was Hall and his team of event professionals that directed the Special NSW Bicentennial Events including Australia Day ’88. He was also key to the instigation of the world famous Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks on Sydney Harbour.

Stephen showed enormous commitment to local Australian art companies and artists. He made key contributions to the Sydney Writers Festival, Sydney Dance Company and the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra while also programming momentous local theatre such as Bran Nue Dae and Faces In The Street.

Malcolm Moir, Head of Development, Sydney Festival said, “He was a great networker and mentor with great friends from all walks of life including the artists, business leaders and politicians. He will be sorely missed by many. Our thoughts go to his family during this sad time.”