Orchestra encore

Limestone Coast Symphony Orchestra adds a second season to its 2023 program

Since its inception, the Limestone Coast Symphony Orchestra has garnered a strong following.

Their mid year annual concerts are always well supported, they have seen a string section branch off to perform in more intimate settings and now they are adding a second season, taking to the stage for a second season this Saturday night at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre.

Orchestra president Tiana Scott was looking forward to this weekend’s innovative new performance.

“We decided to try something different this year and have two seasons with two completely different programs and styles of music,” she said. “We know how much our audience enjoy a variety of music and thought that doing familiar screen and stage music would appeal to a wider audience.”

This weekend’s program could be described as more contemporary, focussing on popular music but with as impressive symphonic arrangements and sound.

Phantom of The Opera, Pirates of the Caribbean, Lawrence of Arabia, Chicago, Monty Python and La Bamba are all on the play list with guest artists Oliver Hogan, Daniel Lynn and Michael Walsh also taking centre stage.

Oliver and Daniel are doing a spectacular duet from Matilda the Musical. Oliver is one of the orchestra’s trumpet players and Daniel has been a past member of the orchestra who is back this season.

Michael is playing a piece from The Deer Hunter with some of the orchestra sections. He has been a guest artist in the past for the orchestra, so it is great to have him back.

A group of younger singers from Newbery Park Primary School in Milicent, their choral director is Sarah Fewster who is also one of our cello players, will be signing a song with the orchestra from Matilda the Musical as well.

“Our rehearsal schedule has been shorter than previous seasons, so we are all working extra hard when practising our parts at home and together. From what we hear during rehearsals, it is sounding fantastic,” Tiana said. “You really start to visualise the concert experience when all sections of the orchestra play together.”

Rehearsals started mid-August and have been under the baton of Trish Bruggemann (pictured).

Her conducting journey commenced as she took on the role of Music Director for the Mount Gambier City Band and since then, she has become MD of the Blue Lake Carols, conducted the South East Primary Schools Music Festival Orchestra, and St Martins Lutheran College’s production of Shrek the Musical.

With more than 50 members currently on the books, having both new faces and long standing members adding to just why the orchestra works.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ZBM MEDIA & FRANK MONGER