STELLAR 2025 SERIES: Willoughby Symphony Orchestra

The Willoughby Symphony Orchestra (WSO) is set to captivate Sydney audiences with an extraordinary 2025 season, as announced by Chief Conductor and Artistic Director Dr Nicholas Milton AM. The upcoming series promises nine exceptional concerts, blending classical masterpieces, cinematic spectacles, and festive programs designed to enchant passionate symphonic fans.

The announcement comes on the heels of remarkable success, with Dr Milton revealing an astounding 212% increase in subscription sales for the 2024 season compared to 2023. This surge positions the WSO as one of Australia's fastest-growing cultural institutions, reflecting the orchestra's rising prominence and the public's hunger for live classical performances.

Opening the 2025 subscription series is Beethoven's innovative 'Triple' Concerto, featuring the acclaimed Estivo Trio. This masterpiece sets the tone for a season brimming with musical diversity and virtuosity. Audiences will be transported along the Moldau river, accompanied by the ethereal sounds of legendary flautist Jane Rutter performing Vaughan Williams' "The Lark Ascending."

The season boasts an impressive lineup of guest artists. Jonathon Ramsay, the newly appointed principal trombonist of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, will showcase his talent with a concerto by Nino Rota, famed for "The Godfather" score. Celebrated Australian cellist Julian Smiles is set to perform a sublime concerto by Peteris Vasks, while the Willoughby Symphony Choir will join forces with the orchestra for several collaborations, including a highly anticipated rendition of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.

In a nod to broader musical tastes, the WSO will present "A Night at the Oscars," featuring German violinist Rosa Donata Milton. This gala performance will bring to life iconic scores from Hollywood blockbusters, promising a cinematic journey through sound.

The season also demonstrates the WSO's commitment to nurturing new talent and engaging younger audiences. It will premiere the work of the 2025 Young Composer Award winner and offer a specially designed children's concert starring Jonathan Ramsay, aimed at inspiring a new generation of music lovers.

As the year draws to a close, the "Spirit of Christmas" concert will usher in the festive season with beloved carols and holiday surprises, creating a joyous celebration for families and music enthusiasts alike.

With its blend of classical masterworks, contemporary pieces, and accessible programming, the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra's 2025 season is poised to further cement its place as a cornerstone of Sydney's cultural landscape, continuing its trajectory of growth and artistic excellence.

Subscription Concerts

Experience three times the exhilaration when the young stars of Sydney’s Estivo Trio join the Orchestra for Beethoven’s extraordinary ‘Triple’ Concerto for violin, cello and piano.

Beethoven Triple
Sat 22 & Sun 23 Feb
Conductor Dr Sarah Penicka-Smith
with Estivo Trio 

Internationally acclaimed flautist Jane Rutter will soar above the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra in a gorgeous rendition of Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending in this stunning concert conducted by Dr Sarah Penicka-Smith.

Lark Ascending                     
Sunday 4 May
Conductor Dr Sarah Penicka-Smith
Jane Rutter with Willoughby Symphony Choir

Bedřich Smetana’s The Moldau is one of the most spellbinding depictions of nature in classical music, capturing the magic of a gentle stream in the mountains that becomes a surging river, carrying the listener through the Czech countryside.

Odyssey                                 
Sat 21 & Sun 22 June
Conductor Dr Nicholas Milton AM
Solo artists Ji Won Kim & Caleb Wright 

 

Experience Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, especially the triumphant Ode to Joy sung by the Willoughby Symphony Choir.

Ode to Joy                             
Sat 2 & Sun 3 Aug
Conductor Dr Nicholas Milton AM
Solo artist Jonathon Ramsay

 

Mahler’s awe-inspiring First Symphony with Dr Nicholas Milton AM and the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra 

Maestro                                 
Sat 18 & Sun 19 Oct
Conductor Dr Nicholas Milton AM
Solo artist Julian Smiles 

Special Concert:

Join Simba, Nala and friends on an epic adventure across the savanna. Disney’s animated classic, The Lion King will be projected onto the big screen at The Concourse Concert Hall while the score is performed live by the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra:

Disney's Lion King Live in Concert                                               
Sat 5 & Sun 6 April
Conductor Jen Winley

Special Presentation Concert:

Walk the red carpet with the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra in this spectacular gala concert showcasing classics from the silver screen

A Night at the Oscars           
Sat 16 & Sun 17 Aug
One of Germany’s finest violinists, Rosa Donata Milton
Conductor by Dr Nicholas Milton AM

Special Presentation Concert:

Spirit of Christmas               
Sunday 14 December
Conductor Dr Nicholas Milton AM
Willoughby Symphony Choir

Mini Maestros:

Featuring trombone superstar, Jonathan Ramsay – a Sydney boy who grew up to play with the greatest orchestra in the world, the Berlin Philharmonic.                                            

Sat 2 August
Mini Maestros - Trombone Superstar       
Conductor Dr Nicholas Milton AM
Solo artist Jonathon Ramsay

  

VENUE:          The Concourse, Concert Hall, 409 Victoria Ave Chatswood

PRICES:

PLATINUM SUBSCRIPTION (seven concerts from $475 (Adults)

SUBSCRIPTION SERIES (choose 3, 4 or 5 concerts) from $204 (Adults)

SINGLE CONCERT TICKETS from $83 (Adults)

SPECIAL CONCERTS from $99 (Adults)

BOOKINGS:       02 8075 8111 or wso@willoughby.nsw.gov.au