Ballarat Symphony Orchestra in Wendouree, Victoria, Australia | Orchestra

Ballarat Symphony Orchestra

Locality: Wendouree, Victoria, Australia

Phone: 53278203

Address: PO Box 217 3355 Wendouree, VIC, Australia

Website: http://ballaratsymphonyorchestra.com

Likes: 792

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25.01.2022 We're thrilled to announce our Youth Concerto Concert is SOLD OUT! We look forward to playing for a full house, but we're sorry if you've missed out...

24.01.2022 We’ve really missed making music over the pandemic so we thought we’d let you get to know us a little better with a spotlight on a player! First cab off the rank is John Dods who plays the cello with the BSO: Why did you choose that instrument? Growing up in a musical family, I soon joined our local Mordialloc Symphony Orchestra playing cello as requested by my parents. Marriage and four children prevented a musical career, but joining Ballarat Symphony Orchestra some qua...rter century later has provided over twenty years of very enjoyable times for Jan and myself. What has been your most memorable piece of music played in the BSO? The most memorable work I have played with BSO would have to be Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique. One of the highlights of my time with BSO would be the weekend trip to Jeparit, with an unforgettable night at the local pub and enthusiastic performance the following day. What other orchestras have you played in? Over the years I have played in a few other orchestras, ie Mordialloc, Hampton, Frankston, St Kilda, Ballaratpack, Moorabool and Bundaberg. Do you have a favourite composer or food? I don’t actually have a favourite composer, - or food, there are just too many to choose from! What do you enjoy doing when you are not playing music? When not playing/practicing, I enjoy flying, and maintaining our off-grid home. My time with Ballarat Symphony Orchestra has possibly been the best era of my life and Jan and I appreciate such friendship shown by the members.

20.01.2022 Missed out on a democracy sausage? Never fear, we're serving up hot snags until 4pm at Bunnings Ballarat, come on down to support the Ballarat Symphony Orchestra!

20.01.2022 Covid-19 update: due to the ongoing efforts to flatten the curve of infection, all BSO concerts will be postponed until further notice. The Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts will be contacting all ticket holders for our Beethoven concert to offer a full refund. Once it is safe to do so, we look forward to making music for you again!

20.01.2022 This week’s spotlight on a player features Kathryn Saunders who plays the oboe and cor anglais with the orchestra and helps keep us in tune! Why did you choose that instrument? I didn’t actually choose the oboe! I was a flute player. I started at a new school and the Head of Music said that every body plays the flute.. why not learn the oboe!. I had no idea what it was, but decided to give it a go, and I loved it!... How long have you played in the BSO? Since 1986 What has been your most memorable piece of music played in BSO? Beethoven’s 9th. Both times. The first around 2006 I think? The day was SOOO hot! And I remember sitting there nearly dying with the heat! And the second because my son got to play the timpani part, a really proud mum moment. Have you got an interesting or funny story to share about BSO? In one concert we were playing a big piece, and I had sticky taped all of the my music together. As I turned one of the pages, ALL of my music started to unfold and fall onto the floor (the woodwinds were sitting up on a riser also). Of course, I had a solo coming up and was scrambling, trying to stop it from completely falling on the floor and then trying to pick it up! The conductor (Mark Sheill at the time) looked over at me to cue me and I just looked at him, totally embarrassed as if to say.. well, not going to happen! I can laugh about it now, but it wasn’t a great feeling at the time. I no longer sticky tape music together! What other instruments do you play or would like to play? I play all of the woodwind instruments. What other orchestras have you played in? Zelman Symphony Orchestra, Geelong Symphony Orchestra, Stonningtom Symphony Orchestra, Ballarat Wind Orchestra and many smaller groups around Ballarat. Who is your favourite composer? It’s hard to choose just one, probably the one I listen to the most is Tchaikovsky. What do you enjoy doing when you are not playing music? I enjoy going to the theatre and concerts. Being with my family, cooking, relaxing and listening to music, and watching movies. What is your favourite meal? Curries of any type.

17.01.2022 Big thanks to Grill’d Ballarat for supporting the orchestra through their Local Matters program!

15.01.2022 Calling all young musicians in the Ballarat region - Applications are now open for our annual Youth Concerto Concert which takes place Sun 23rd June 2019! Applications close Wed 13th March and auditions will be held in Ballarat on Saturday 23 March. Get practicing for your chance to perform with the Ballarat Symphony Orchestra! Head to http://ballaratsymphonyorchestra.com//youth-concerto-appl/ for T&Cs and the application form.

15.01.2022 Stay tuned for our first concert of 2019 on Sunday 24th March. It's sure to go off with a bang!

14.01.2022 Looking to jazz up your weekend? Come on down to the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts this Sunday 2nd Dec for our jazz inspired program. It's sure to blow your socks off!

13.01.2022 Our final concert for 2019 is a little bit festive! We’re teaming up with Ballarat Choral Society and Box Hill Chorale to bring you Christmas Caramels. Get in quick!

13.01.2022 Fancy a burger? Pop into Grill’d Ballarat during October and place your token in the BSO jar to support the orchestra through their Local Matters program. Thanks Grill’d!

12.01.2022 Want to hear more about our upcoming jazz inspired concert this Sunday 2nd December? Listen to our fabulous Principal Conductor Jules chatting with the ABC's Steve Martin from 57:50.

11.01.2022 Check out our talented young performers being showcased this weekend in our Youth Concerto Concert...we can't wait to kick off at 2:30pm, Sunday 23 June at the Art Gallery of Ballarat!

09.01.2022 Join us for a pre-concert drink from 6:30pm this Saturday, 30th Nov and get into the festive spirit!

08.01.2022 Get fired up this weekend for Ballarat Symphony Orchestra’s first performance for 2019, from 2:30pm Sun 24th March at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts. The centrepiece of the program is Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks. The history of the work is as colourful as the music itself. The very first performance of the piece in 1748 was rained upon; the fireworks designed to accompany the music misfired, the pavilion and ladies’ dresses caught fire, and there were injuries to nearby soldiers. However, the music itself was considered a great success, and, under the baton of BSO’s principal conductor, Gyula Cseszko, will undoubtedly delight again in Ballarat. **Pyrotechnics not included

07.01.2022 Wanted: Strings players! Ballarat Symphony Orchestra are currently recruiting strings players to join our dynamic ensemble. With newly appointed principal conductor (and viola player) Gyula Cseszko, you’ll have the opportunity to perform a wide variety of orchestral works. No auditions necessary, but a minimum AMEB Grade 5 standard is required. For more information, send us a message, or email orchestra leader Yvonne Holley [email protected]

06.01.2022 Our Youth Concerto Concert kicks off next Sunday 23 June! Over 50% of tickets have been sold, get in quick to see these stellar young musicians perform with the orchestra! https://artgalleryofballarat.com.au//ballarat-symphony-or/

03.01.2022 Just 5 days until applications close for our Youth Concerto Concert. Get your applications in by Wed 13th March for your chance to perform with the Ballarat Symphony Orchestra! Head to http://ballaratsymphonyorchestra.com//youth-concerto-appl/ for T&Cs and the application form.

03.01.2022 Applications are now open for our annual Youth Concerto Concert, taking place on Sunday 21st June at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young musicians in the region, with up to four applicants selected to play with the orchestra and receive a $400 scholarship. Head to our website for T&Cs, and the application form.

02.01.2022 We’re pleased to introduce Madeleine Witham for this week’s spotlight on a player: Instrument: Flute Why did you choose that instrument? My mother wanted me to play the flute. I picked it up and never wanted to do anything else.... How long have you played in BSO? 5 years I think. What has been your most memorable piece of music played in BSO? Symphonie Fantastique by Berlioz. It was so thoroughly known by the Conductor and very well rehearsed; it was great to perform it. What other instruments do you play or would like to play? I play the piano and piccolo; I’d like to play French Horn. What other orchestras/bands have you played in? I started in the school orchestra when I was 11, joined the Army as a professional Musician at age 17 and played in two Military Bands (Brisbane and Melbourne) and I then toured Australia as a member of the Bicentennial Military Tattoo in 1988. I was then posted to Melbourne and was the first female instructor at the Defence Force School of Music. The Army then sponsored me to complete a Bachelor of Education (Sec) Music at the University of Melbourne. So I played in the Melbourne University Orchestra, The Queensland Pops Orchestra, Collingwood Chamber Orchestra, Geelong Concert Band, numerous musicals and small ensembles. Who is your favourite composer? I don't have one particular favourite but love Mozart, Beethoven, French composers for Flute have to be my favourite to play. What do you enjoy doing when you are not playing music? Baking cupcakes... What is your favourite meal? Date night with my husband Mark.

01.01.2022 Want the chance to perform with the Ballarat Symphony Orchestra? Applications close for our Youth Concerto Concert at 5pm Wednesday 11th March, so get in quick! http://ballaratsymphonyorchestra.com//youth-concerto-appl/