Local Orchestras Thrive
Sydney seems to boast a remarkable number of orchestral groups, both professional and amateur. Of course it’s easy enough to keep abreast of what the ACO, Sydney Symphony or Brandenburg are up to, but what about all those amateur and local groups performing just a few times a year? Do you even know they exist? That’s the downside to small musical groups. The quality is there, but we the punters can have a hard time finding out about the performances they put on until too late. Unless a group has a dedicated member who can spend hours getting word out, updating websites and such it’s hard for them to reach out for an audience beyond their immediate network of friends family and colleagues. Here’s hoping we can do our bit to change that. Because not only do the ensembles I’ve seen perform do so to a high standard, they also perform in some delightful venues.
Balmain Sinfonia
This is not a comprehensive list of local groups, just the ones that I’ve personally had the pleasure of seeing perform. If you’ve got one to recommend, please add it to the comments below. I urge you to google your neighbourhood and orchestra or choir to find out what’s on nearby. There are dozens of groups throughout Sydney. All the groups mentioned have concerts on in the next couple of weeks.
The eastern suburbs is fortunate to have the Woollahra Philharmonic Orchestra and the Eastern Sydney Chamber Orchestra & Choir. These two orchestras perform in some rather exquisite churches which only adds to the performance. However, from experience, I would suggest taking a cushion; even with the cushions churches provide the pews can get a bit uncomfortable after a while.
The rest of Sydney is also well serviced, however the only two groups I’ve had the pleasure of seeing perform are the Balmain Sinfonia and the Mosman Orchestra. The Balmain Sinfonia have a remarkably dedicated conductor in Gary Stavrou. They perform at Macquarie University, whilst the Mosman Orchestra perform at the Mosman Art Gallery.
The Eastern Sydney Chamber Orchestra & Choir are performing this weekend doing a Mendelssohn special which should be delightful. Alternatively if you’re north of the bridge the Mosman Orchestra will be celebrating their 40th anniversary. The following weekend the Woollahra Philharmonic will be performing Borodin, Mozart and Schubert, whilst for those in the west the Balmain Sinfonia will be performing a concert focusing on French composers.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym_d1pw1G2I&w=854&h=510]
The Woollahra Philharmonic Orchestra performing Pavane last year.
Not only do you get a wonderful performance somewhere close to home refreshments are normally provided for a gold coin donation.
If none of the below concerts fit into your timetable and you work in the city, get out and about. There are a number of lunchtime concerts performed in churches around the CBD as well as at the Conservatorium and City Recital Hall.
One final advantage of many of these groups is that you’ll find parking and access to be easier than many of the venues in the city.
Eastern Sydney Chamber Orchestra & Choir perform four times a year at St Mary’s Anglican Chuch, Birrell St (opp. Waverley College). Map
Sunday, 22nd of March, 2:30pm they will be performing Mendhelson. Price: $20/25.
Mosman Symphony Orchestra perform at The Mosman Art Gallery.
Friday 20th of March, 8pm & Sunday 22nd of March, 2:30pm. Price : $20/25
Woollahra Philharmonic Orchestra perform four concerts a year, with each concert performed twice.
Saturday 28th of March at 5:30pm at St Columba Church, Ocean St, Wollahra or Sunday 29th of March at 2:30pm at St Francis of Assisi Church, Oxford St in Paddington. Price: $20/28
Balmain Sinfonia perform four concerts a year at Macquarie Theatre, Macquarie University.
Sunday, 29th of March, 2pm, $20/25