It's been at the heart of Sydney's cultural life, home to leading musicians and the first full-time orchestra in the country. Perched on the shore above the harbour, its distinctive turrets have welcomed generations of music lovers arriving at dusk for a concert.

The Sydney Conservatorium of Music celebrates its centenary in 2015. This lavishly illustrated history records its story, from its humble beginnings in the old Government House stables, to its current accommodation in facilities that are, by any measure, outstanding.

Peter McCallum recounts the stories of renowned performances as well as the many colourful characters who have worked at the Con: Henri Verbrugghen, Eugene Goossens and Rex Hobcroft, innovative directors who shaped the institution; great musicians Florence Austral, Roger Woodward, Joan Sutherland, Richard Bonynge, Charles Mackerras, Malcolm Williamson, Peter Sculthorpe and Don Burrows; the teachers and the students. Behind the scenes, there was always the need to accommodate changes in musical style, secure funding and navigate relationships with government, the University of Sydney and the other musical institutions.