Australian Youth Orchestra
A Reunion of Rhythms: Rosalind Croucher on Music, Law, and AYO
We sat down with Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM ahead of REPLA.Y.O, our reunion orchestra for AYO alumni and friends, to chat about her lifelong passions for law, education, and music. A former President of the Australian Law Reform Commission, Professor Croucher has built a remarkable career across academia, public policy, and the arts. Beyond these achievements, she is also an AYO alumna, having played the oboe with the orchestra in the 1970s. With decades of experience in legal education and a deep love for collaborative music-making, she shares how personal and professional experiences have shaped her inspiring journey.
Can you share a memorable moment from your time in AYO that significantly impacted you?
I remember feeling a bit envious of the AYO from the previous year—they had toured Japan. We had a domestic tour, playing in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, with John Hopkins conducting. A standout moment for me was performing the William Tell Overture on cor anglais and having a solo.
Who or what has been your biggest influence in your legal career and musical pursuits?
My oboe teacher, Pauline Strait (or Strasser), was incredibly encouraging in my early career. She gave me opportunities to deputise for her, which catapulted me into the world of professional playing. One unforgettable deputising experience was in 1973, during the original Sydney production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Pauline also introduced me to playing the cor anglais, which has become a lifelong passion.
Another major influence was Winsome Evans, who led the Renaissance Players. I joined this early music ensemble in 1975 and stayed with them until 1981, playing shawms, crumhorns, recorders, and even singing. Another big part of my musical life has been choral singing. I became serious about it after joining the Sydney Philharmonia Choir in 1994. I was soon promoted to the Motet choir and sang with them until 2004. I see both choral singing and orchestral playing as marvellous team sports. My true musical passion is early music, especially the baroque period—preferably by composers who understand the need for wind players to breathe!
As for my legal career, my biggest influence was my father. He was a long-serving judge and Chief Justice of the Compensation Court of NSW. Although I didn’t follow his path as a barrister, he mentored me throughout my legal journey. Our bond grew even closer in his final years when he and my mother lived with us in the Blue Mountains, especially after my mother passed away. My father would read my writing and speeches, offering excellent feedback. We’d also discuss recent High Court cases and other legal matters of the day.
What excites you the most about playing with old friends and colleagues in the REPLA.Y.O orchestra?
I loved music camp during my teens—starting with State Music Camp at Sydney Grammar at 14 and later at National Music Camp each January. AYO was the pinnacle of those experiences. Returning to oboe and cor anglais after a long break has brought back the joy I felt in my youth. It’s an ageless experience, completely different from the demands of a ‘day job.’ I look forward to seeing familiar faces from those early years and hearing about their life journeys.
Join Rosalind and fellow alumni at REPLA.Y.O! Don’t miss the chance to reconnect and celebrate the vibrant AYO community. Register by 31 October to secure your spot!