Orchestra returns

Gippsland Symphony Orchestra is excited to be returning to the stage with “Mostly Mozart” on Sunday afternoon.

Featuring the finest orchestral players from across Gippsland under the direction of Trafalgar maestro David Williams, this chamber music program will captivate the audience at the West Gippsland Arts Centre.

“This is the first time (in 14 months) we’ve actually had a full orchestra program. It’s a real thrill,” Mr Williams said of returning to the stage.

The chamber music program will feature Mozart’s “Symphony No.22” and “Symphony No. 31 Paris” plus selected works including a flute duet, clarinet piece and a combination of string, oboe and horn players.

Mr Williams said the early ticket response was positive and urged the community to support the orchestra after a tough year in 2020.

“It will be safer to come to the Gippsland concert than to the cricket,” he said.

“This one, particularly, is really important for us just to play. If two men and a dog were there, we would still play. But it’s also important to get the community on board. Without their support, we don’t function.”

“That would be a sad result of COVID if community orchestras, like GSO, don’t have audiences. That would be really tragic.”

Having been just a week out from a concert when COVID hit in March, Mr Williams said it was disappointing to see a lot of preparations go to waste. However, Sunday’s concert has provided plenty of motivation to get everyone up and prepared.

“I think it’s so important that we get out in the community that arts is alive.”

He urged community members who are comfortable to come along, wear a mask and gain confidence concerts can be performed in a safe manner.