Preston Symphony Orchestra

In 1949 it was decided to establish a symphony orchestra in Preston. By July of that year 35 musicians had been signed up and W. S. May appointed as the conductor. The first rehearsal of the orchestra took place on Thursday 14th July 1949 at the Preston City Hall.

By November that year the Preston Council had confirmed May as the full time conductor after hearing a performance of the orchestra. The first public performance was given on December 7, 1949 at the Preston Town Hall.

By 1955 the Orchestra was starting to attract attention, performing at Moomba with the Myer Choir, and in November at the Myer Mural Hall, with The Argus commenting that they did a 'reputable performance of Sibelius' Finlandia.' 

Current Conductors

Joseph Lallo
Robert Dora

 

Past conductors have included:

Michael Dahlenberg
Mario Dobernig
Mark Dipnall
Joshua Geddes
Phillip Green
Christopher Kopke
Pat Miller
Damian Richardson
Mark Shiell
Steven Stanke
Willem van der Vis
Stuart Wilkie
Raymond Yong
Robert Dora
Douglas Heywood

 

Pieces played include:

Dvorak Cello concerto
Rimsky-Korsakov Dubinushka
Tchaikovsky Symphony No.1 Winter Daydreams
Gershwin Selections from Porgy and Bess
Tchaikovsky Nutcracker Suite
Brahms 2nd Symphony
Grofe Grand Canyon Suite
Mozart Symphony No.25 in G Minor
Bizet Carmen Suite No.2
Bruch Violin Concerto No.1
Sibelius Swan of Tuonela
Franck Symphony in D.
Khatchaturian Spartacus
Saint Saens Cello Concerto No.1
Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.2 Movement 1

 

Preston to have Orchestra. (1949, July 11) The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1956), p. 5

Preston to have its own Orchestra. (1949, November 2) The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 3

Your day by day guide (1955, March 10) The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1956), p. 23

 Choral Festival hearty, enjoyable (1955, November 23) The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1956), p. 7