About HSO

The Hills Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1981 by Guildford Grammar School headmaster, David Lawe Davies.  41 years on, it has become a much loved part of the hills community. We have grown from only 23 original members to a group of over 40 passionate musicians with one thing in common – we all love making and sharing beautiful music!
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HSO performs around six concerts each year and presents a wide variety of music, ranging from well known movie themes and musicals to more classical pieces, so that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you want entertainment or inspiration, laughter or music to touch your soul, you’re sure to enjoy our concerts. Our main mission within the community is to bring orchestral music to a wider audience. This means making classical music fun, affordable, and easy to get involved in.

​HSO draws players of all ages and from all walks of life – scout leaders, business managers, engineers, lab technicians, computer consultants, ceramic designers, hairdressers, environmental officers, librarians, doctors, teachers, school and university students and retirees! We even have ex-WASO players and music teachers but the orchestra is mostly made up of dedicated amateurs with a passion for music.
HSO acknowledges the generous support of the Mundaring Community Bank Branch – Bendigo Bank, and Lotterywest.

Shaun Fraser

Conductor

The Hills Symphony Orchestra is privileged to have as its conductor Shaun Fraser.  Shaun has been passionate about music from a very early age.  He started to pursue his musical studies seriously at Perth Modern School and continued with the WA Youth Concert Band and the Australian Army Band Corps.  Shaun is a very talented trombonist and has played with several other musical groups over the past 20 years.  
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Shaun has recently completed his Doctorate in Musical Arts with a focus on conducting both through research and practical components. He was also a member of the West Australian symphony Orchestras Emerging Conductors program in 2020 and 2021.

Shaun continues to lead the orchestra in exploring all genres of music and tempting players and audiences alike to find their own connection with the programmes the orchestra brings to the public. Shaun's wonderful form of conducting brings a new vibrancy and enthusiasm to the music performed by the orchestra. He hopes he can help light the passion and excitement in others that he feels himself at the helm of the Hills Symphony Orchestra.
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Become a HSO player

If you love playing music, meeting like-minded people with a passion for music, and want to be part of something wonderful - click the button below to learn more about becoming part of HSO.