Stonnington Symphony is one of Melbourne’s finest community orchestras. Staging four
major concerts each year, Stonnington Symphony performs a varied repertoire to challenge
and delight its audiences and players.
Based at the Malvern Town Hall, Stonnington Symphony plays a significant role in the
cultural life of its local and wider communities. By showcasing exceptional solo performers, providing performance
opportunities for young conducting talent, and creating a dynamic rehearsal environment, Stonnington Symphony
musicians are able to celebrate their art whilst enriching their musical development.
A highlight of Stonnington Symphony’s performing year is the thrilling outdoor performance staged by the City of
Stonnington every February in the Malvern Gardens. This is a free event that attracts thousands of music lovers and
their families, and is a chance to enjoy wonderful live symphonic music in a relaxed environment.
With historical links dating back to the 1920’s, Stonnington Symphony was officially formed in 1983 as the Malvern
Symphony Orchestra, rapidly establishing itself as Victoria’s leading community orchestra. It has traditionally performed
challenging repertoire. The Symphony presented the first Melbourne performance of Alban Berg’s Wozzeck conducted
by Warwick Stengards. Of this performance, Clive O’Connell of The Age wrote that it was “an extraordinary and
honourable achievement.”
Many players with Stonnington Symphony have gone on to perform in professional orchestras around Australia and
overseas. Orchestra Victoria, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Symphony and the Adelaide Symphony
Orchestra all boast players from Stonnington Symphony.
In 2007, Stonnington Symphony is delighted to welcome Benjamin Northey as Artistic Director.
With Benjamin, the orchestra looks forward to developing innovative projects and broader networks within the artistic sphere
as well as continuing to present high quality concert series.
Over the years, Stonnington Symphony has successfully worked to raise its profile within the community. Operating as
an independent body, Stonnington Symphony relies on the generous support it receives from the City of Stonnington
and local sponsors. It also has a thriving philanthropic supporter base as well as a number of mentoring links with staff
of Orchestra Victoria, the Melbourne Symphony and The Australian Ballet.
Stonnington Symphony is a vital cultural asset to the community, and is thrilled to contribute so much to the City of
Stonnington.
