General News
20 March, 2026
Orchestra returns to Warrnambool
ORCHESTRA Victoria returns to Warrnambool in April with a spectacular concert and free musical storytime for families.
The group will appear at The Lighthouse Theatre on April 17, with a special evening concert and a free musical storytime for families, bringing live orchestral music to the heart of the community.
The visit includes Celestial Threads, a powerful program of myth, legacy and cosmic wonder conducted by British conductor Alice Farnham.
The concert features music by Imogen Holst, John Psathas’ electrifying marimba concerto Djinn performed by Orchestra Victoria’s own Mathew Levy, and a breathtaking chamber arrangement of Gustav Holst’s iconic The Planets.
Families and young audiences are also invited to a free Orchestra Victoria musical storytime, Bila’s Big Dance, at the Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre.
The interactive performance brings Rebecca Chapman’s beloved children’s story to life through live music, storytelling and movement, offering children a playful introduction to orchestral instruments.
As part of the visit, Orchestra Victoria will also deliver a range of community engagement activities.
Through its connect program, musicians will perform intimate concerts for aged care residents, while students at Warrnambool Primary School and Warrnambool East Primary School will take part in their own special Bila’s Big Dance sessions.
Vanessa Pigrum, acting CEO of Orchestra Victoria, said sometimes it only takes a single concert or up-close musical experience to ignite a lifelong creative passion for a young person.
“Orchestra Victoria looks forward to sharing its music with regional audiences of all ages,” she said.
“Sharing our love for music across Victorian regional centres and with the community is one of our musicians’ favourite times of the year.”
Orchestra Victoria artistic advisor, Jessica Gethin, believes music has an incredible power to spark curiosity and imagination, and is a unique way of bringing people together.
“Sharing the energy of the orchestra with regional communities and inspiring young audiences is at the heart of everything we do at Orchestra Victoria,” she said.
“Together, the events offer Warrnambool audiences of all ages the chance to experience the excitement and wonder of live orchestral music in their own community.”
