Their many music-loving fans on the Beaches will be excited to know the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra’s 2027 Season has been revealed with nine incredible concerts at The Concourse, Chatswood, and subscriptions saving up to 20%. Book now!
The Willoughby Symphony Orchestra (WSO) has just given their fan base on the Northern Beaches reason to celebrate by unveiling its 2027 concert season – a year of soaring symphonies, virtuoso soloists and choral spectacle at The Concourse, Chatswood.
The WSO’s new season is bursting with variety, from Romantic Russian masterworks and Scottish Highland adventures to a lavish Opera Gala and two delightful concerts made especially for families.
Welcoming the new season, Mayor of Willoughby City Tanya Taylor said, “This season promises a rich and diverse program, featuring well-known classics, new compositions and special collaborations with the Willoughby Symphony Choir and Willoughby Band. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or attending for the first time, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Professor Dr Nicholas Milton AM shares the same excitement.
“It brings me so much joy to share with you the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra’s extraordinary 2027 concert season,” he said. “We open with the electrifying energy of Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, setting the stage for a year of passion, colour and musical storytelling.”
It’s a season staged in one of Sydney’s most celebrated venues. Tucked in the heart of Chatswood and easily reached by public transport, The Concourse welcomes concertgoers with onsite parking, lift access and plenty of cafes and bars to enjoy before the show.
Inside, the Pat Reilly Concert Hall is the real showstopper: inspired by traditional European concert hall design, its soaring ceilings and world-class acoustics create an intimate yet grand setting that has earned five Master Builders Association awards and Sydney Design Awards recognition.
Along the way, the WSO welcomes a string of world-class soloists, plus the magnificent Willoughby Band and a special guest appearance from Scots College Old Boys Pipes and Drums. Of the season’s two-family concerts, Professor Dr Nicholas Milton AM said they are “designed to delight, inspire, and welcome audiences of all ages to the magic of live orchestral music.”
For those who want to make a habit of it, subscription packages offer the best value at the WSO. Music lovers can choose a 3, 4 or 5 Season Concert subscription and save up to 20 per cent off single ticket prices, or step up to a Platinum Subscription, which bundles all five Season Concerts with the Opera Gala and Spirit of Christmas, plus an exclusive reception with Professor Dr Nicholas Milton AM and a closed rehearsal at The Concourse.
It’s a wonderful way to lock in a full year of world-class live music while supporting one of Australia’s most celebrated community orchestras.
From symphonic showstoppers to family-friendly favourites, here’s a closer look at everything on offer in the 2027 Season:
FATE — Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 February
The season opens in style with Tchaikovsky’s blazing Fourth Symphony, a Romantic tour de force brimming with soulful Russian melody. Acclaimed pianist Konstantin Shamray joins the WSO for Beethoven’s radiant Fourth Piano Concerto, reuniting with Professor Milton, who conducted his winning performance at the Sydney International Piano Competition.
Sea and Stars — Sunday 16 May
The Willoughby Symphony Choir sets sail through choral and orchestral treasures, from Melody Eötvös’s storytelling Hic Svnt Dracones to Beethoven’s rollicking Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage. The concert also unveils the winner of the 2027 Young Composer Award alongside a world premiere by emerging composer Belinda Blades.
Highland Cathedral — Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 July
Saxophone virtuoso Amy Dickson joins the WSO for James MacMillan’s lively Saxophone Concerto, before Scots College Old Boys Pipes and Drums bring the famous Highland Cathedral to life. Sibelius’s monumental Symphony No.2 closes out this stunning program inspired by Scotland.
Opera Gala — Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 August
Passion, drama and romance take centre stage as rising stars from Pacific Opera and the Willoughby Symphony Choir perform beloved arias and choruses from Aïda, La traviata, Madama Butterfly and more. Violinist Rosa Donata Milton returns with the exquisite “Meditation” from Massenet’s Thaïs.
Rosie the Clown Joins the Orchestra (World Premiere Family Concert) — Sunday 19 September
A heartwarming new work for ages 5 and up, following curious Rosie the Clown as she discovers the orchestra and sets off on a musical journey of wonder. Pre-concert craft activities and a chance to meet Rosie afterwards make this a special outing for little music lovers.
Pines of Rome — Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 September
A vibrant musical postcard from Italy, featuring Tchaikovsky’s glittering Capriccio italien and Respighi’s evocative Pines of Rome. Trumpet virtuoso Dominic Longhurst joins the WSO for Arutiunian’s powerhouse Trumpet Concerto, alongside Khachaturian’s beloved Masquerade Suite.
Firebird for Families — Saturday 6 November
Stravinsky’s dramatic Russian fairytale gets a family-friendly retelling, complete with daring heroism, a kidnapped princess and the majestic Firebird itself. A pre-concert craft session and post-show meet-the-musicians experience round out this magical 50-minute concert.
Carmina Burana — Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 November
The season’s grand finale brings the raw power of Carl Orff’s choral blockbuster Carmina Burana, including the iconic O Fortuna, performed by the full Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and Choir. The evening opens with Stravinsky’s colourful suite from The Firebird.
Spirit of Christmas — Sunday 12 December
A cherished annual tradition returns, with the WSO and Choir filling the Pat Reilly Concert Hall with festive favourites, beloved Australian carols and a visit from a very special Christmas guest — the perfect way to welcome the season with family and friends.
Secure Your Seats for the 2027 Season;
Single tickets, subscriptions and the full 2027 season program are available now. Visit The Concourse Box Office or book online to start planning your year of unforgettable live music with the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra.
willoughbysymphony.com.au/2027-Tickets-and-subscription-packages
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