In 2026, Willoughby Symphony Orchestra in New South Wales will present a dazzling season of film music, classical masterworks, Australian talent and family fun.
Under the artistic leadership of Dr Nicholas Milton AM, the 2026 season will be a vibrant celebration of cinematic sound, classical brilliance, and Australian creativity for its 60th anniversary year.
There’ll be exhilarating concerts, unforgettable soloists, and breathtaking repertoire, with five core main season concerts alongside a suite of special and family performances.
Highlights next year include ‘Hollywood’, a glittering tribute to the silver screen starring British vocal sensation Mary Carewe joining the orchestra for an electrifying season of music from the likes of ‘Star Wars’, ‘Skyfall’, ‘Cabaret’, ‘The Godfather’, ‘Frozen’ and more. Plus ‘The Magic Flute’, with German flute star Meret Louisa Vogel.
Plus, international piano virtuoso Avan Yu returns to perform Tchaikovsky’s thrilling Piano Concerto No. 1, alongside Mussorgsky’s Night On Bald Mountain and Pictures At An Exhibition.
Audiences are also invited to feel the force of Saint-Saëns’ ‘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.
WSO will of course present a selection of special events and family concerts, like ‘Last Night Of The Proms’, ‘Spirit Of Christmas’, and ‘Musical Pictures’.
“This season is an explosion of colour, storytelling and symphonic wonder,” Artistic Director Dr Nicholas Milton AM says. “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.”
Check out the programme.
Willoughby Symphony Orchestra’s 2026 season kicks off with ‘Hollywood’ on 14-15 February.
