Season Preview 2020

The Willoughby Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2020 season, which will feature a brand new clarinet concerto by the orchestra’s Composer-in-Residence Alice Chance. “Alice Chance writes music of spectacular originality, portraying a myriad of colours and textures,” said WSO’s Chief Conductor and Artistic Director Nicholas Milton, who described Chance – who was a finalist at this year’s Art Music Awards – as “one of Australia’s most compelling composers.”

Alice ChanceAlice Chance. Photo © Steven Godbee

The new work, which the orchestra has commissioned for clarinettist Oliver Shermacher – a finalist at last year’s ABC Young Performers Awards and winner of the 2018 Freedman Fellowship – will premiere in May, conducted by Sarah Penicka-Smith. The concert will also feature music by Farrenc, Debussy, Brahms and another world premiere, the winner of the Fine Music 102.5 and Willoughby Symphony Young Composer Award.

As Composer in Residence in 2020, following in the footsteps of Kate Moore, Nigel Westlake, Daniel Rojas and Elena Kats-Chernin, Chance’s work will also be featured in the orchestra’s April concert, which showcases the Willoughby Symphony Choir and...