The Willoughby Symphony Orchestra (WSO) has announced its 2027 season – five programs, three family concerts, a special Opera Gala and a series of masterworks.

Nicholas Milton and the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra. Photo supplied

“It brings me so much joy to share the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra’s extraordinary 2027 season,” said Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Nicholas Milton.

“Whether you are a long-standing audience member or joining us for the first time, this Season offers a rich and varied musical journey filled with passion, colour and musical storytelling. “

This year’s season opener on 20–21 February, Fate, pairs Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4, with Konstantin Shamray as its soloist.

Sea and Stars on 16 May features three Australian compositions – Melody Eötvös’s Hic Svnt Dracones (Here Be Dragons), the world premiere of Belinda Blades’ While it Lasts and a work from the winner of the 2027 Young Composer Award. With Associate Conductor Sarah Penicka-Smith on the podium, the program also features works by Beethoven and Vaughan Williams.

Australian saxophonist Amy Dickson and Scots College Old Boys Pipes and Drums join forces with the orchestra for the Scottish music-inspired Highland Cathedral across 24–25 July. The title borrows its name from the bagpipe melody composed by Ulrich Roever and Michael Korb, performed here alongside Sibelius’s Second Symphony, Anna Clyne’s PIVOT and James MacMillan’s Saxophone Concerto.

Respighi’s Pines of Rome is the centrepiece of performances across 25–26 September, which also sees guest star trumpeter Dominic Longhurst join for Arutiunian’s Trumpet Concerto, and the WSO closes its season with a bang across 6–7 November with Carl Orff’s monumental choral work Carmina Burana.

Following her 2025 appearance, German violinist Rosa Donata Milton returns to the WSO to perform in the Opera Gala, featuring the Willoughby Symphony Choir and soloists from Pacific Opera.

The WSO will also present two new interactive family productions this year – Rosie the Clown Joins the Orchestra and Firebird for Families, which reimagines one of Stravinsky’s most celebrated scores for children.

The year closes out with the return of the WSO’s festive Spirit of Christmas, under the baton of Peter Ellis on 12 December.

Applications for the WSO’s 2027 Young Composer Award will open in October this year and close on 22 February.

More About Willoughby Symphony Orchestra’s 2027 season can be found here.