WPO
Bringing musical enrichment to the community,
providing a professional attitude towards innovative and enjoyable concerts.
The Woollahra Philharmonic Orchestra
ABOUT US
Established in 1996, the WPO was founded by local amateur musicians after receiving backing from Woollahra Municipal Council.
The orchestra comprises up to 50 regular members who come from all walks of life, are of all ages, and includes amateurs, students and professionals and performs four public programs per year with a rehearsal period of 8 weeks during school term.
We are proud to have as our patrons the celebrated composer, Elena Katz-Chernin who is a local resident and has been a great supporter of the orchestra;, and the distinguished pianist Rachel Valler OAM, who has also supported the Orchestra for many years and played in numerous concerts as a soloist.
Previous patrons of the WPO were Margaret Whitlam OA and Peter Sculthorpe.
The Orchestra is set up as an incorporated association under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 (NSW).
oUR pATRONS
Elena Kats-Chernin
The Woollahra Philharmonic Orchestra is honoured to have a very distinguished Australian, Elena Katz-Chernin as our patron. Elena Kats-Chernin is one of Australia's most celebrated composers and the WPO has frequently performed her works and is currently commissioning a new work from her which we will premiere in term 2 of 2024.
"I am delighted to be associated with the Woollahra Philharmonic Orchestra as Patron, and look forward to supporting this dedicated group of musicians in our community". EKC
Rachel Valler - OAM
The Woollahra Philharmonic Orchestra is honoured to have a very distinguished Australian, Rachel Valler as our Patron. Rachel Valler has performed as soloist, accompanist and member of various chamber music ensembles, and associate artist to international and local musicians. She has judged the preliminary sections of the ABC Young Performer's Award, the 2MBS-FM Young Performer's Award, the Hepzibah Menuhin and David Paul Landa scholarships, the preliminary and chamber music sections of the Sydney International Piano Competition, and various competitions in Christchurch, Auckland and Keri Keri. She was awarded the Harriet Cohen Commonwealth Medal (London) and has performed in Europe, the UK, South East Asia, New Guinea and New Zealand. She was a member of the Cultural Advisory Council to the NSW Minister of the Arts and has written articles for 2MBSFM.
Saint Columba Uniting Church
The Woollahra Philharmonic Orchestra appreciates the long-term support of the Saint Columba Uniting Church, the official home of the WPO. Corners Ocean & Forth Streets, Woollahra NSW 2025