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John Curro

1932 – 2019

Australian conductor, violist and musical director

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About John Curro

Lived 1932 – 2019 (aged 86). John Curro was an Australian conductor, violinist and music director.

John Ronald Curro (6 December 1932 – 6 November 2019 ) was an Australian violinist, violist, conductor and music director.

Curro was the founder (1966) and Director of Music of the Queensland Youth Orchestras, with which he established the National Youth Concerto Competition (NYCC).

Honours and awards Curro was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1981 and a Member of the Order of Australia in 1995.

He was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2001.

Bernard Heinze Memorial Award The Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award is given to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to music in Australia.

Don Banks Music Award The Don Banks Music Award was established in 1984 to publicly honour a senior artist of high distinction who has made an outstanding and sustained contribution to music in Australia. It was founded by the Australia Council in honour of Don Banks, Australian composer, performer and the first chair of its music board. 2002 John Curro Don Banks Music Award

Queensland Greats Awards The Queensland Greats Awards commenced in 2001 and recognise outstanding Queenslanders for their years of dedication and contribution to the development of the state and their role in strengthening and shaping the community in Queensland, Australia. 2016 John Curro Queensland Greats Awards

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Education
St Joseph's College, Nudgee
Awards
Member of the Order of the British Empire; Centenary Medal; Member of the Order of Australia; Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award; Don Banks Music Award

People in John Curro's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John Curro's

Frequently asked questions

Who was John Curro?

Australian conductor, violist and musical director (1932–2019)

When was John Curro born?

John Curro was born on 6 December 1932 in Cairns.

When did John Curro die?

John Curro died on 6 November 2019 in Brisbane.

What was John Curro's occupation?

John Curro was a conductor, violinist and music director.

What nationality was John Curro?

John Curro was Australian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John Curro

· Wikidata: Q6227951

· DBpedia: John Curro

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Curro. https://biography.guide/john-curro/

MLA: "John Curro." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-curro/.

Chicago: "John Curro." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-curro/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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