Hannah Hammoud
Musicians from across Melbourne’s inner west recently gathered at the Williamstown Town Hall for the first official performance of the Inner West Symphony Orchestra.
Established in October last year by three Yarraville music teachers, the community orchestra emerged from a realisation that significant musical opportunities were scarce in the western suburbs, often requiring residents to venture to the eastern suburbs.
Since its inception, the orchestra has seen a swell in its ranks, with more than 60 musicians of varying ages and skill levels joining its ensemble. However, there’s ample space for more players, particularly in the string and percussion sections.
For many members, including principal flautist Kim Pearson from Keilor Downs, this marks a first return to orchestral playing after a hiatus spanning over a decade. By day, Pearson is a music therapist, and is relishing the opportunity to take on some serious orchestral works.
“When I first joined I was quite excited about the thought of having an orchestra in the western suburbs,” Pearson said.
“I grew up in the south east, and there’s quite a lot of opportunities there for community music, but once I moved to the west I found it quite difficult to find similar opportunities.”
The orchestra’s debut concert showcased a repertoire ranging from the likes of Sibelius to Bizet, Tchaikovsky, and even featured compositions by local talent George Barsoum. Drawing an audience of more than 400 family and friends, the performance was met with resounding applause.
With sights set on their next concert in July, the orchestra is already immersed in preparing new repertoire, including Holst’s “The Planets” and Sibelius’s “Finlandia.”
Rehearsing every Monday night at Footscray Primary School, the Inner West Symphony Orchestra invites aspiring musicians to join its ranks.
Information: www.iwso.com.au.
