Tuning up for 2026 season

THE Limestone Coast Symphony Orchestra presents its 12th annual gala concert in two locations this year – the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre for Mount Gambier (June 27) audiences and the Naracoorte Town Hall (June 28).

The 2026 program, which starts at 2pm for both performances this month, is once again led by Angus Christie, who returns as conductor of the Limestone Coast Symphony Orchestra, taking charge of close to 50 musicians, bringing together a large and talented ensemble for another exciting year of performances.

The program includes three works from Bizet’s Carmen, O Lovely Peace, by G.F.Handel, the Andante from Mozart’s flute concert K315 and two dances by Susato.

Australian works include the pastorale ‘Blue Hills’ theme by Ronald Hamner, ‘Spring’ by Michael Lofting and ‘Gospers Mountain Fire, by David Scheel, a locally based composed from Merino, Victoria.

“It’s a powerful and also tender and lyrical work describing in musical terms the bushfire that David and his wife experienced at first hand,” Angus said. “I think it will surprise many listeners that we have a composer of David Scheel’s stature living in this region,.”

Special guest artists include soprano Meg Tucker and mezzo-soprano Kirsten Johnston, flautist Penny Mansell, French hornist Tameka Nube, tuba soloist Georgina Farrugia, trumpeter Oliver Hogan and the Limestone Coast Symphonic Chorus.

The LCSO Wind quintet ‘Wind Ows’ will perform ‘A Tribute to Beatrix Potter’ by Christopher Le Fleming with narrator Isabelle Neumann and the Limestone Symphonic Chorus will join us again with Meg Tucker as Choral Director.

“We are fortunate enough to have composer Michael Lofting joining us in the viola section,” Angus said. “He has composed a piece titled ‘Spring’ which will feature a Tuba solo from Georgina Farrugia. We also have had some new musicians join the orchestra this season. It’s great to see new and old faces be part of something so amazing.”

Rehearsals have been in full swing since the last week of April, meeting weekly, using these regular sessions to provide valuable time for the full ensemble to refine its performance, strengthen cohesion, and develop a polished orchestral sound ahead of the concerts.

Tickets for the Mount Gambier performance are available through Country Arts SA or at the box office, while the Naracorote Town Hall events can be accessed at Try Booking or at the door.