South Perth symphony success

By Elise McLean, 20 March, 2011

After only six weeks practice, the South Side Symphony Orchestra gave its debut yesterday at the opening of the South Perth Civic Hall, and its success signalled it is here to stay.

The audience of about 100 people were ‘very impressed’ by the music produced by orchestra at their first performance.

To start a symphony orchestra from scratch was an endeavour Irene Wright was told to forget.

“It was like a red rag to a bull,” she says.

Ms Wright continued to ‘hit brick walls’ with her plans until she met Lynda Chapman.

They both felt it was unfair on amateur musicians who live south of the river not to have an opportunity to play as part of a community orchestra, this new orchestra would “fill the gap”.

Together they found Julia Robinson who says she “jumped at the opportunity” to conduct a symphony orchestra.

The first rehearsal held on the second of February “astonished” conductor Ms Robinson with the quality of music the 35 musicians produced.

In December 2010 Ms Wright applied for a Lotterywest grant to assist the orchestra’s funding which was approved on March 3 this year.

The $5,320 grant will be put towards providing music stands, as well as trolleys to accommodate the stands.

Ms Wright and Ms Chapman are negotiating with the Melville Council on the behalf of the orchestra about renovations for the More Community Hall, which are scheduled to take only two months in mid 2011.

During these renovations the orchestra will have to find an alternate venue to rehearse.

The inaugural annual general meeting will be held on April 13 this year which will formally elect the members of the committee.

Ms Robinson is determined for the South Side Symphony Orchestra to become an established and respected Perth orchestra that “continues to attract enthusiastic players”.

“If we make it past this first year,” says Ms Wright, “we’ll be here forever.”

Practice is currently being held in the MORE Community Hall 7:30 to 9:45 every Wednesday evening.

If you would like join or contact the orchestra, email ssso@hotmail.com.au or phone Irene Wright, 0437 593 571