About the HSO
The HSO was founded in 1981 by David Lawe-Davies, Headmaster of Guildford Grammar School. It
started off with twenty three players and has been part of the hill's music
scene ever since. In January 2001 the HSO was runner-up in the City of Swan Community Event
Each year the HSO presents eight to ten concerts often in a fundraising capacity for various charitable organisations and local groups including Mundaring Sharing, Kalamunda Chaplaincy, Swan View Chaplaincy, Lifeline, the Cancer Foundation, Rotary, and Platform Kids and the Darling Range Soroptimists.
A yearly occurence is our trip to the country. We visit one or more country towns and perform in
conjunction with local choirs and performers. In addition we also put on workshops for children
and adults to get to know th emusic and play along with the orchestra.
These trips have been very enjoyable and successful for all parties, and we look forward to it every year.
Recent towns visited include Merredin, Moora and Jurien Bay
The HSO draws players from all walks of life (scout leaders,
business managers, engineers, lab technicians, computer consultants, ceramic
designers, hairdressers, environmental officers, librarians, doctors,
teachers, school and uni students and retirees) and all ages from students in
Year 10 to several players who are in their eighties! We have ex WASO players
and music teachers but the orchestra is mostly made up of dedicated amateurs
with a passion for music.
Our year's programme concludes with a lively Christmas Concert in the David
Lawe-Davies Auditorium at Guildford Grammar. It is an extravaganza for
children and adults! In addition to Santa and carols there are
plenty more surprises to keep you entertained.
Music at our concerts has a classical bias but we also include music from films and
musicals such as My Fair Lady, Ordinary People, and Forrest Gump to name but
a few.
Our current conductor is Mr Shaun Fraser. Shaun is a very
talented Trombonist and has been passionate about music from a very early
age. He started to seriously pursue his musical studies at Perth Modern
School and continued
with the Youth Concert Band and the Australian Army Corps. He has played with
several other musical groups over the past 19 years.
If you are interested in upcoming concerts, joining the orchestra or having us play at your event, see the Contact Us section.
Hills Symphony Orchestra acknowledges Lotterywest of WA for financial assistance towards the purchase of new percussion equipment items for the Orchestra in 2007