All about Warrnambool Symphony Orchestra

The WARRNAMBOOL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Inc. was formed on 4th August 1988 at the instigation of Mrs. Robin Wright, a prominent musician and piano teacher, on her return to her native home, Warrnambool. The orchestra has been in continuous operation ever since.

The orchestra consists of mostly amateur musicians including secondary students, adult players and music graduate teachers. Players are expected to become members of the orchestra by payment of a modest subscription, payable in two half-yearly instalments. Other sources of income are box office receipts from concerts, grants, donations and sponsorships.

The orchestra is an incorporated, not-for-profit association governed by a representative committee elected at the Annual General Meeting. The conductor is a member of the committee ex-officio. The committee meets monthly and deals with such issues as programming, choice of repertoire, dates, venues, publicity, pricing, social functions and administration.

The number of players varies somewhat, but is usually about 20-25, with several regular visiting players joining the group in time for performances. We have approximately 5 x 1 violin 1, 5 x violin 2, 3 x viola, 1-2 x cello, 1 x bass, 2 x flute, 1 x oboe, 2 x clarinet, 1 x bassoon. Brass on demand, but usually 2 x trumpet, 1 or 2 x French horn, 1 x trombone. Percussion usually consists of 1 x timpani.

The Warrnambool Symphony Orchestra has generally performed 3 concerts each year for the last 15 years. One of the annual concerts provides for VCE students to perform as soloists with the orchestra works they are studying as part of their VCE instrumental music courses. Many of the WSO’s players have progressed into the orchestra after having commenced with the Robin Wright Strings or school bands. Some have gone on to other orchestras and ensembles and even careers in music.

A feature of the orchestra’s annual programming has been the popular Proms concerts. Members of the orchestra contribute in other ways to the musical life of the city such as through playing for various musical productions, community fairs and festivals.