Strathfield Symphony

Strathfield Symphony Orchestra is a community orchestra based in the inner west Sydney suburb of Strathfield. The orchestra is comprised of approximately 60 players. It rehearses most Monday nights and gives four performances a year, plus a special concert for seniors in Senior Citizen’s Week. The orchestra aims to promote music-making in the community, to provide exciting and enjoyable concert programs, to nurture young talent, and to showcase the works of Australian composers.

The orchestra was founded by Emily Finn, a music teacher in Strathfield. The first performance was held on 28th June 1969 and was conducted by  Richard Gill. Over the years many talented young musicians have played with the orchestra, the youngest being nine-year old violinist Kim Marshall. In recent years the orchestra has played works by many Australian composers includingElena Kats-Chernin, Nigel Westlake, Vincent Leonard, Michael Easton and Solomon Bard. In 2008 the orchestra commissioned Elena Kats-Chernin to write a work for the orchestra’s 40th Birthday Concert on 4th July 2009. Australian composer and pianistMiriam Hyde was a keen supporter and good friend of the orchestra. She played with the orchestra as a soloist and the orchestra has performed many of her works.

Website: strathfieldsymphony.org.au