The son of Montsalvat’s founding father, Sigmund Jörgensen, OAM, passed away overnight aged 79.
The Executive Director of Montsalvat Dr Jacqueline Ogeil provided the following statement to Geelan Media:
Vale Sigmund Jörgensen (29 April 1940 – 21 July 2019)
We remember Sigmund Jörgensen, OAM, son of Justus Jörgensen who was the founder of [Eltham’s] Montsalvat.
Sigmund led Montsalvat from 1975 – 2005, during which time he made Montsalvat a haven for local and international artists.
His contributions to art and culture were many, including the Melbourne culinary scene, running the award winning restaurant Clichy, being a judge at the Melbourne Asian Food Festival, food critic for the Melbourne Times and forming and Co-Directing the Montsalvat Jazz Festival which has gone on to become one of the major Melbourne cultural events.
Sigmund was a supporter the significant student orchestra which has trained many of the brilliant young musicians now back in Melbourne this week for the Australian World Orchestra concert; the Geminiani Chamber Orchestra, who used to perform at Montsalvat.
After his father’s death Sigmund was one of the Directors of the Montsalvat Trust, oversaw the completion of many of Montsalvat’s buildings and initiated others, including the restaurant.
As part of Sigmund’s community involvement he was for a time also the Mayor of the Nillumbik Shire.
A friend and supporter of the arts and artists all his life.
Rest in peace Sigmund.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Montsalvat at 2pm on Friday 9 August.
More to come.
