A fond farewell to Rita Fin

Pictured: Ms Rita Fin at the conductor’s podium

On Sunday 5 May over 400 members of the Sydney Grammar School community gathered in the John Vallance Hall to honour and farewell Ms Rita Fin, whose remarkable 34-year tenure with the Music department left an enduring legacy.

The highlight of the event was a stirring orchestral performance of the “Waltz” and “Galop” from Aram Khachaturian’s Masquerade Suite, conducted by Ms Fin herself. The 65-piece orchestra featured a unique blend of current and former staff, alongside Old Sydneians spanning from the Class of 1992 to the most recent graduates of 2024, a testament to the lasting impact of Ms Fin’s musical leadership.

Pictured: Ms Rita Fin and Mr Tim Hollo (OS 1993). Tim was a Music Scholar and was the first Captain of Music at Sydney Grammar School

The afternoon was not only a celebration of Ms Fin’s career but also a reunion for many alumni and staff, who reconnected and reminisced about their time at Grammar and the joy of working with Rita. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, gratitude, and admiration, underscoring the profound influence she has had on the School’s musical and cultural life.

As Rita steps into retirement alongside her husband, Tommie Andersson, who also retired this year, the School community extends its deepest thanks and best wishes to them both. Their contributions will be remembered with great affection and respect.