Artistic Director's message

It brings me so much joy to share with you the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra’s extraordinary 2027 concert season. On behalf of the musicians of your wonderful orchestra, I am thrilled to invite you to join us for a sensational year of music in our beautiful home, the sublime acoustic of the Pat Reilly Concert Hall at The Concourse. 

Whether you are a long-standing audience member or joining us for the first time, the 2027 season offers a rich and varied musical journey. We open with the electrifying energy of Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, setting the stage for a year of passion, colour and musical storytelling. We welcome a series of worldclass soloists, including pianist Konstantin Shamray, saxophonist Amy Dickson and trumpeter Dominic Longhurst. Violinist Rosa Donata Milton returns for our unmissable Opera Gala, performing gorgeous melodies from the world of opera alongside stunning soloists from Pacific Opera. We’ll also be joined by the magnificent Willoughby Band, with a special guest appearance from Scots College Old Boys Pipes and Drums. 

We are especially excited to present two sensational family concerts: the world premiere of Rosie the Clown Joins the Orchestra and Firebird for Families. These 50-minute weekend afternoon performances are designed to delight, inspire, and welcome audiences of all ages to the magic of live orchestral music. 

Don’t miss Associate Conductor Dr Sarah Penicka-Smith unveiling the winner of the prestigious national Willoughby Symphony Young Composer Award, alongside glorious works by Beethoven and Vaughan Williams, sung by the resplendent Willoughby Symphony Choir, who bring the year to an aweinspiring close with Carl Orff’s choral blockbuster Carmina Burana.  

We are profoundly grateful to you, our audience, for your continued enthusiasm, loyalty, and support. Your presence is at the heart of everything we do. We also extend our sincere thanks to Willoughby City Council for their unwavering and generous support of the orchestra and its vision. 

Professor Dr Nicholas Milton AM

Artistic Director and Chief Conductor 

Willoughby Symphony Orchestra