The University of Newcastle Symphony Orchestra

Director: John Kellaway

The University Symphony Orchestra is the Conservatorium's premier orchestra. Since the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music opened in Newcastle in early 1952 there has been an orchestra in Newcastle City. From its early beginnings in Civic Park the Conservatorium of Music has offered to its students an opportunity to perform in a large orchestra ensemble. With the amalgamation of the University of Newcastle and the Conservatorium of Music this tradition has been maintained.

The University of Newcastle Symphony Orchestra comprises students studying their Bachelor of Music (through the School of Drama, Fine Art and Music) and from musicians from the Conservatorium's instrumental study program.

Members of the community are also invited to join allowing the Orchestra to be a training ground for musicians playing string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. The orchestra prides itself on presenting classical orchestral music and it also provides musicians and composers of the Newcastle and Hunter Region with an opportunity to participate in Symphony Orchestral activities.

The orchestra performs two major concerts at the Conservatorium (normally in May and October every year (as well as other concerts and tours throughout the region.

The Director of the Orchestra is currently Mr John Kellaway who is assisted by the music staff of the School of Drama, Fine Art and Music. The orchestra invites guest conductors and soloists throughout the year to rehearse and perform with the members of the orchestra. The Symphony Orchestra is the perfect vehicle to provide instrumentalists with symphonic orchestral training.

The orchestra rehearses every Monday evening in from 6.00 - 8.30pm in the Conservatorium’s Concert Hall .

For further information contact John Kellaway.