A Classical Journey Around the World

Event Details
Come and join the WollCon Symphony Orchestra and the Five Islands String Orchestra on “A Classical Journey Around the World”.

Embark with us as we journey to distant locations and explore the panoramic scenery sonorously. From folk dances to luscious landscapes to New York City, this itinerary of well-loved pieces is sure to delight both seasoned concert-goes and new explorers.

Conducted by Mikaela Johnson, the WollCon Symphony Orchestra (previously known as the WollCon Community Orchestra)  is excited to present this collection of pieces which showcase their continued development.

Joining them at this concert will be special guest piano soloist Matthew Ardern.

Matthew Ardern

WollCon’s Five Islands String Orchestra (FISO) conducted by Adrian Davis, will also be performing at this special concert.

“FISO began with adult beginner and intermediate players during 2020. We focus on fun, engaging, and skill-building repertoire that is appealing for the players and audience. We are all excited to be performing at Town Hall alongside the WollCon Symphony Orchestra. We will present a mix of music from North and South America, Europe, and Australia! We are so thrilled to be able to perform Robin Hood Variations by Wollongong composer, Matthew Hindson. Looking forward to seeing you all there!” Said Adrian.

FISO

Repertoire for this concert includes*:

Chopin – Piano Concerto No. 1
Grieg – Norwegian Dances
Kats-Chernin – Dance of the Paper Umbrellas
Sibelius – Finlandia
Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue
Hardiman – Lord of the Dance
Strauss – Blue Danube

*in the interests of time some pieces will be shorter arrangements 

Everyone is very welcome to come along and enjoy this showcase of WollCon community musicians.

DONATING FOR THIS EVENT:

The Friends of WollCon Community Music warmly welcomes your voluntary donation, which helps support this and future events involving the WollCon community music ensembles. The Friends will be present on the night to accept donations, but you can also register both your attendance and support by clicking the link below.

FOWCOM LOGO

Anne has been a member of the Wollcon Board since 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from UNSW. She is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and an accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. She has taught family law and other subjects at Wollongong University.

For a number of years she has been a subscriber to the Australian Chamber Orchestra which regularly performs in Wollongong . She has been passionate about music and in particular music education to children and adults.

Jake has worked in the disability sector for 24 years- 17 of these with Interchange and 7 years as their CEO. Jake is passionate about inclusion and equality for both people with disability and their carers.

He holds an MBA, Bachelor of Commerce, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, as well as completing Diploma’s in Case Management, Community Services Coordination and the AICD Company Directors Course.

Jake is also a committee member on the International Short Breaks Association Board and has been a Director on the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Board since 2022.

Wayne is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors as well as being a qualified company secretary and accountant with over 35 years experience in banking and finance. He performed for nine of those years as Chief Executive of IMB Ltd, and the preceding seven years as Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer, also with IMB. Wayne’s primary expertise is in the areas of governance, management, accounting, risk management and banking and finance. He has spent his whole life living in the Illawarra and is passionate about ensuring the Illawarra can provide the best possible opportunities and lifestyle for its residents. In 2024 Wayne was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the community.

Dr Terumi Narushima is a senior lecturer and Music Discipline Leader at the University of Wollongong. She is a composer, performer and sound designer specialising in microtonal tuning systems. Her works include Tritriadic Chimes, a sound installation for LA MicroFest, Hidden Sidetracks, a composition for custom-made instruments premiered by Ensemble Offspring at Sydney Opera House, and a project to build microtonal flutes using 3D printing. She has worked on theatre collaborations which have been presented nationally and internationally, including Yasukichi Murakami: Through a Distant Lens, Lost in Shanghai, and The Story of Chi. She performs with microtonal ensemble Clocks and Clouds, and her book Microtonality and the Tuning Systems of Erv Wilson is published by Routledge.

Nicky is the CEO of Community Industry Group. She has degrees in Dementia Care, Community & Environment and Marketing, and a Grad Dip in Project Management. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Honorary Fellow of UOW. In addition to Chairing the WollCon Board, she is Deputy Chair of the Regional Development Australia Illawarra Shoalhaven Board and an Independent Non-Executive Director of Warrigal, a large not-for-profit specialising in the provision of services for older people.

Her corporate governance and strategy experience extends through a 20+ year career on boards in the corporate, government and NFP sectors.