Formed in 1987, the Ballarat Symphony Orchestra is a well-established community orchestra with a long and proud history of performance in Ballarat. The Orchestra is managed by a Committee of Management and we will be recruiting to our Principal Conductor position for commencement in 2025. Guest conductors for 2024 are Andrew Leach and Phoebe Briggs. Orchestra members are all volunteers, who give their time freely. We have some minimum standards for all playing members and welcome expressions of interest for new players. Get in touch!
We present three concerts each year at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, as well as performing at occasional community or other events.
The orchestra plays a wide repertoire and features a range of soloists throughout each year.
Principal Conductor (vacant)
Andrew Leach is supporting Phoebe Briggs as guest conductor in preparation for the BSO’s end of year collaboration with Victorian Opera and Ballarat Choral Society for The Big Christmas Sing.
Andrew conducts the Inner West Symphony Orchestra and is currently teaching at Camberwell Grammar. Phoebe Briggs is Victorian Opera’s Head of Music.
Orchestra Leader (vacant)
Susan Pierotti is guest leading the orchestra for BSO’s end of year performance – The Big Christmas Sing. Sue has considerable experience as a professional musician having worked with Orchestra Victoria for many years. She has been the Concertmaster for the Zelman Symphony since 2016.
Orchestra Members
Our members are the music teachers and skilled amateurs of the Ballarat area. We are pleased to be able to promote their private musical services.
Orchestra Policies and Procedures
The orchestra has developed formal policies and procedures below, for the reference of members and associates of the orchestra.