North Sydney’s Willoughby Symphony Orchestra has unveiled its 2026 season – a program of orchestral classics, a world premiere and family-friendly concerts celebrating the orchestra’s 60th anniversary.

Artistic Director Dr Nicholas Milton announced the season, promising “an explosion of colour, storytelling and symphonic wonder” for audiences at The Concourse, Chatswood, where all concerts will be performed.

The Willoughby Symphony Orchestra on the steps of The Concourse, Chatswood. Photo supplied

Highlights of the five-concert subscription series include a cinematic season opener, a guest appearance by didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton, a Mendelssohn choral masterpiece and a return visit from Canadian piano star Avan Yu.

Opening the season in red-carpet style (14–15 February), Hollywood brings British vocalist Mary Carewe to the stage for a celebration of film favourites including Star Wars, Cabaret, The Godfather and Frozen.

In Magic Flute (23–24 May), rising German flautist Meret Louisa Vogel performs Mozart’s famous overture alongside House Music – a modern flute concerto by Australian composer Matthew Hindson – and Brahms’ Symphony No. 2.

Avan Yu headlines the July program Pictures at an Exhibition...