A Dazzling Season of Film Music, Classical Masterworks, Australian Talent and Family Fun
Today, Sunday 3 August 2025, the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra (WSO), under the artistic leadership of Dr Nicholas Milton AM, announced its spectacular 2026 Season – a vibrant celebration of cinematic sound, classical brilliance and Australian creativity.
In its 60th anniversary year, the WSO continues to dazzle with exhilarating concerts, unforgettable soloists and breathtaking repertoire. The 2026 program features five core main season concerts alongside a suite of special and family performances that will be held at The Concourse, Chatswood.
2026 Subscription concert highlights
Hollywood
14–15 February
The season opens with a red-carpet event in Hollywood, a glittering tribute to the silver screen. British vocal sensation Mary Carewe joins the orchestra for an electrifying selection of music from Star Wars, Skyfall, Cabaret, The Godfather, Frozen and more. A symphonic blockbuster to kick off the year in style.
Magic Flute
23–24 May
Join the WSO and rising German flute star Meret Louisa Vogel for Mozart's effervescent Magic Flute overture, Matthew Hindson's modern flute concerto House Music, and Brahms' lush Symphony No. 2, composed lakeside in the Austrian Alps – a heartfelt connection to Milton's own European tenure.
Pictures at an Exhibition
4–5 July
International piano virtuoso Avan Yu returns to perform Tchaikovsky's thrilling Piano Concerto No. 1, alongside Mussorgsky's terrifying Night on Bald Mountain and his famous Pictures at an Exhibition, in Ravel's dazzling orchestration – a true feast for the imagination.
Hym of Praise
27 September
Associate Conductor Dr Sarah Penicka-Smith leads a powerful program featuring the 2026 Young Composer Award winner, Ella Macens' joyful Flight, and the world premiere of the full Gemini Suite by Miloslav Pěnička. The Willoughby Symphony Choir joins the orchestra for Mendelssohn's magnificent Lobgesang (Hymn of Praise).
Organ Symphony
7–8 November
Feel the full force of Saint-Saëns' beloved 'Organ' Symphony, famously used in the film Babe, alongside Berlioz's festive Roman Carnival Overture and Sculthorpe's iconic Earth Cry, performed by acclaimed didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton, who also shares his own evocative Birdsong at Dusk.
Special events and family concerts
Last Night of the Proms
8–9 August
Wave your flags for a rousing Proms celebration as WSO marks its 60th birthday in classic British style. Featuring the Willoughby Symphony Choir, Willoughby Band, and singalong favourites like Jerusalem, Pomp and Circumstance, and 1812 Overture.
Spirit of Christmas
13 December
Celebrate the magic of the season with a joyful program of carols and festive favourites conducted by Peter Ellis, with the full force of the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and Choir, plus a very special guest from the North Pole.
Family concert - Musical pictures
4 July
Introduce young audiences to the magic of the orchestra with an interactive exploration of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition and Night on Bald Mountain. Kids can draw their own art inspired by the music while Dr Nicholas Milton AM leads the adventure.
A message from the Artistic Director
'This season is an explosion of colour, storytelling and symphonic wonder. From the cinematic glamour of Hollywood to the timeless power of Mendelssohn and Saint-Saëns, we invite audiences to experience the energy and joy of orchestral music – live and in full flight,' said Dr Nicholas Milton AM.
Subscriptions and ticket information: Willoughby Symphony Orchestra website
