The stirring sounds of Broadway and Hollywood will fill Richmond later this month when the Macquarie Towns Symphony Orchestra presents Music From Stage & Screen at St Andrew's Uniting Church.
The Sunday afternoon concert on June 28 promises a musical journey through some of the most beloved melodies ever written, bringing together iconic themes from film, television and the theatre in a performance designed to delight audiences of all ages.
From soaring orchestral scores that have accompanied epic adventures on the silver screen to the unforgettable songs of the world's great musicals, the concert celebrates the music that has become woven into generations of memories.
The performance will be presented by the Macquarie Towns Symphony Orchestra (MTSO), a Hawkesbury institution that has been enriching the region's cultural life for more than half a century.
Established in 1972, the orchestra has been bringing live orchestral music to Hawkesbury audiences for over 50 years, making it one of the district's longest-running performing arts organisations. The orchestra rehearses in Richmond and presents four major concerts each year, alongside community performances, fundraising events and opportunities for emerging musicians.
What began as a community orchestra has grown into a respected local ensemble that attracts musicians of all ages and experience levels. School students perform alongside experienced players, creating an environment where musical talent is nurtured and shared across generations.
The orchestra's Musical Director, John Buckley, brings extensive experience to the role. His career has included directing the Royal Australian Air Force Air Command Band and performances at major events including the Sydney Olympic Games and commemorative ceremonies at Gallipoli. Under his leadership, MTSO continues to combine musical excellence with a strong commitment to community participation.
Organisers say the upcoming concert has been designed to appeal not only to classical music enthusiasts but also to families and those who simply enjoy memorable movie themes and musical theatre favourites.
"There is something special about hearing these familiar melodies performed live by a full orchestra," said Kay an attendee of part performances.
"The music from films and musicals often becomes the soundtrack to our lives, and hearing those pieces brought to life in a live performance creates an experience that recordings simply can't match."
The concert will be held at St Andrew's Uniting Church in West Market Street, Richmond, a venue that has become synonymous with the orchestra's performances over many decades.
Doors open at 1.30pm for the 2pm performance, with general admission seating available. Afternoon tea is included in the ticket price, with donations welcomed to support the orchestra's ongoing work in the community.
For many Hawkesbury residents, the concert offers a chance to enjoy professional-quality orchestral music close to home while supporting a local organisation that has been helping to build the region's cultural identity since the early 1970s.
As the orchestra enters its sixth decade, Music From Stage & Screen is set to showcase not only some of the world's most recognisable music, but also the enduring strength of community arts in the Hawkesbury.
What: Music From Stage & Screen
When: Sunday, June 28, 2pm to 4pm (doors open 1.30pm)
Where: St Andrew's Uniting Church, 25 West Market Street, Richmond
Presented by: Macquarie Towns Symphony Orchestra
