In 2024, a musical composition by Rhys Owen (OKG20)  was commissioned to help celebrate the Bicentenary of the NSW Legislative Council. The piece, titled The Striving Spirit, an original work for string orchestra and percussion, was performed on several occasions, recorded at Trackdown Studios by students of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and professionally released. 

The premiere took place during the Parliament's Open House event on 25 August 2024, marking 200 years since the Legislative Council's first meeting. The work was later performed at the Bicentenary Exhibition Launch on 20 October 2024, attended by King Charles III, and at the Opening Ceremony of the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Sydney later in the year.  

To learn more about the composition: 

Watch a four-minute documentary, featuring an interview with Rhys (YouTube) 

Listen to a recording of The Striving Spirit (Spotify) 

Watch the Score Video YouTube (score video) 

Read more on the NSW Parliament website