Preston Symphony Orchestra has players from the local area and further afield, with a diverse range of day jobs, ages and backgrounds. A Committee elected by members of the orchestra runs the orchestra on a day-to-day basis and the views of players are sought as much as possible in decision-making.
Players pay a membership fee, either annually or per concert, to cover the cost of venue and music hire.
Inquiries are welcome for winds and brass should a vacancy arise. More violins and violas can generally be accommodated.
There are no auditions, but players should have reached at least Grade 5 AMEB or equivalent and have good sight-reading skills. Experience in ensemble playing is very useful.
Concerts
The orchestra performs 4 concerts a year, each preceded by 8 rehearsals over 7 weeks. Repertoire ranges from major Romantic symphonies to the premieres of new Australian works.
Fees
All players are required to pay an annual membership fee to the Preston Symphony Orchestra of $10, in addition to concert fees. Concert fees depend on the number of concerts played, with concession rates available for players not working full-time, retired or under 25.
Concert fees are currently $170 for the season of 4 concerts, or $50 per concert; concession fees are $90 for the whole season, or $25 per concert.
Rehearsals
All rehearsals are at 7.30pm – 10.00pm. Please arrive by 7.20pm to set up in time.
The rehearsal schedule for the concerts in 2025 is outlined in the table below.
| Date & venue | Rehearsals | |
| Concert 1 | March 23, Preston City Hall | Tuesdays 4 Feb – 18 March AND Thursday 20 Mar (all at Preston City Hall) |
| Concert 2 | June 15, Preston City Hall | Tuesdays 29 April – 10 June AND Friday 13 June (all at Preston City Hall) |
| Concert 3 | Sept 14, Darebin Arts Centre | Tuesdays 29 July – 9 Sept (at Preston City Hall) AND Friday 12 Sept (at DAC) |
| Concert 4 | Nov 23, Preston City Hall | Tuesdays 7 Oct – 18 Nov (not Cup Day) AND Thurs 20 Nov (all at Preston City Hall) |
If you are interested in joining the orchestra for one or more concerts, please email:
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