Steel City Strings

This is where you can purchase a 2023 Subscription to All 3 Concerts in NOWRA. Concert 1: (NOWRA 12th March 2023 Sunday 2pm - 4pm) ‘WORLDS CONNECT” extends our reach into our diverse community. Syrian-born Armenian guitarist Sako Dermenjian performs pieces celebrating belonging, inclusion and connectedness. Concert 2: (NOWRA 27th August 2023 Sunday 2pm - 4pm) Led by Baroque specialist Bridget Crouch (violin/viola) “BAROQUE HORIZONS” showcases engaging, theatrical works with broad audience appeal, arranged to reflect music of the Baroque era. Concert 3: (NOWRA 19th November 2023 Sunday 2pm - 4pm) With “BODY AND SOUL”, Steel City Strings expands its contemporary programming to reach new audiences marrying music, vision and spoken word of Australian artists.

This is where you can purchase a 2023 Subscription to All 3 Concerts in the SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS (Robertson/Burrawang). Concert 1: (ROBERTSON 5th March 2023 Sunday 2pm-4pm) ‘WORLDS CONNECT” extends our reach into our diverse community. Syrian-born Armenian guitarist Sako Dermenjian performs pieces celebrating belonging, inclusion and connectedness. Concert 2: (BURRAWANG 20th August 2023 Sunday 2pm-4pm) Led by Baroque specialist Bridget Crouch (violin/viola) “BAROQUE HORIZONS” showcases engaging, theatrical works with broad audience appeal, arranged to reflect music of the Baroque era. Concert 3: (BURRAWANG 12th November 2023 Sunday 2pm-4pm) With “BODY AND SOUL”, Steel City Strings expands its contemporary programming to reach new audiences marrying music, vision and spoken word of Australian artists.

‘WORLDS CONNECT” extends our reach into our diverse community. Syrian-born Armenian guitarist Sako Dermenjian performs pieces celebrating belonging, inclusion and connectedness. Steel City Strings plays works by Joseph Tawadros, Julian Yu, Stefanos Maragkakis and First Nations composer Christopher Sainsbury. Each composer represents an important culture in our regional community.

‘WORLDS CONNECT” extends our reach into our diverse community. Syrian-born Armenian guitarist Sako Dermenjian performs pieces celebrating belonging, inclusion and connectedness. Steel City Strings plays works by Joseph Tawadros, Julian Yu, Stefanos Maragkakis and First Nations composer Christopher Sainsbury. Each composer represents an important culture in our regional community. Steel City Strings will perform, for the first time, in Shellharbour, our region’s highest growth area.

‘WORLDS CONNECT” extends our reach into our diverse community. Syrian-born Armenian guitarist Sako Dermenjian performs pieces celebrating belonging, inclusion and connectedness. Steel City Strings plays works by Joseph Tawadros, Julian Yu, Stefanos Maragkakis and First Nations composer Christopher Sainsbury. Each composer represents an important culture in our regional community.

Led by Baroque specialist Bridget Crouch (violin/viola) “BAROQUE HORIZONS” showcases engaging, theatrical works with broad audience appeal, arranged to reflect music of the Baroque era. The lead-up includes professional development master classes for Steel City Strings players in a rare local opportunity to extend their Baroque repertoire and skills. The program features our own Adrian Davis playing the Telemann viola concerto in G major.

Led by Baroque specialist Bridget Crouch (violin/viola) “BAROQUE HORIZONS” showcases engaging, theatrical works with broad audience appeal, arranged to reflect music of the Baroque era. The lead-up includes professional development master classes for Steel City Strings players in a rare local opportunity to extend their Baroque repertoire and skills. The program features our own Adrian Davis playing the Telemann viola concerto in G major.

With “BODY AND SOUL”, Steel City Strings expands its contemporary programming to reach new audiences marrying music, vision and spoken word of Australian artists. Presented in collaboration with Shoalhaven Regional Gallery’s “Death/Love/Art” exhibition, this performance explores human capacity for compassion through a new composition by Wollongong-born saxophonist Nicholas Russoniello and works by Ross Edwards, Nigel Westlake, alongside Australian visual artworks curated by Max Dingle OAM.

With “BODY AND SOUL”, Steel City Strings expands its contemporary programming to reach new audiences marrying music, vision and spoken word of Australian artists. Presented in collaboration with Shoalhaven Regional Gallery’s “Death/Love/Art” exhibition, this performance explores human capacity for compassion through a new composition by Wollongong-born saxophonist Nicholas Russoniello and works by Ross Edwards, Nigel Westlake, alongside Australian visual artworks curated by Max Dingle OAM.

Inspired by the acclaimed Illawarra documentary film, ‘Women of Steel’, Steel City Strings and percussionist Claire Edwardes premiere a brand-new concerto for percussion by Australian composer, Natalie Williams. The work captures the Illawarra Steelworks and pays homage to the 18-year battle of the Jobs for Women campaign with BHP between 1980-1994. In addition, Steel City Strings revisits Shostakovich's Chamber Symphony and works by Eastern European composers. Supported by Create NSW.

About this concert...

Sako Dermenjian.

Contrasting old and new, 'Seasons' brings a much-anticipated work to the region – Max Richter’s 2012 reinterpretation of Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. For this concert, Steel City Strings will be joined by Guest Soloist, Emily Sun (ABC Young Performer Award-Winner, 2018). The program also includes Vivaldi’s Concerto Grosso in G minor, the Concerto for two violins in C major and Scarlatti's Sinfonia from Tolomeo e Alessandro, ovvero la corona disprezzata.  Supported by Create NSW.

Contrasting old and new, 'Seasons' brings a much-anticipated work to the region – Max Richter’s 2012 reinterpretation of Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. For this concert, Steel City Strings will be joined by Guest Soloist, Emily Sun (ABC Young Performer Award-Winner, 2018). The program also includes Vivaldi’s Concerto Grosso in G minor, the Concerto for two violins in C major and Scarlatti's Sinfonia from Tolomeo e Alessandro, ovvero la corona disprezzata.  Supported by Create NSW.

In a program that will evoke the natural world, composer and didgeridoo artist William Barton joins Steel City Strings for performances of his most notable works including Didge Fusion, Petrichor and Birdsong at Dusk. The program also features music by First Nations and South Coast composer, Brenda Gifford, as well as Australian composers Paul Stanhope and Peter Sculthorpe. Max Richter's 'Nature of Daylight' will also feature. Supported by Create NSW.

In a program that will evoke the natural world, composer and didgeridoo artist William Barton joins Steel City Strings for performances of his most notable works including Didge Fusion, Petrichor and Birdsong at Dusk. The program also features music by First Nations and South Coast composer, Brenda Gifford, as well as Australian composers Paul Stanhope and Peter Sculthorpe. Max Richter's 'Nature of Daylight' will also feature. Supported by Create NSW.

With Seasons, Steel City Strings returns to its popular identity as a classical local Chamber orchestra that earned us our 2019 APRA National Art Music Award for “Excellence in a Regional Area and Commitment to Performing Australian Music”. Vivaldi’s Four Seasons will be bookended by works by JS Bach and an Australian composition.

With Seasons, Steel City Strings returns to its popular identity as a classical local Chamber orchestra that earned us our 2019 APRA National Art Music Award for “Excellence in a Regional Area and Commitment to Performing Australian Music”. Vivaldi’s Four Seasons will be bookended by works by JS Bach and an Australian composition.

Steel City Strings’ biennial Celebration of Youth concert returns in 2021, showcasing some of the region’s most talented young musicians. Young composers are a significant element of the program: From the compositions of nineteen-year-old Mozart to the premiere performance of the string orchestral work that wins the SCS Youth Composition Competition. 'Celebration of Youth' is proudly supported by Create NSW.

Steel City Strings’ biennial Celebration of Youth concert returns in 2021, showcasing some of the region’s most talented young musicians. Young composers are a significant element of the program: From the compositions of nineteen-year-old Mozart to the premiere performance of the string orchestral work that wins the SCS Youth Composition Competition. 'Celebration of Youth' is proudly supported by Create NSW.

Steel City Strings is back in 2021 with an exciting concert event to present a new composition, ‘Cinque Forme d’Amore’ (‘Five Kinds of Love’) by Elena Kats-Chernin, voted the most popular Australian composer in 2019’s ABC Classic’s Favourite Composer countdown. This piece was commissioned by local philanthropist Sue Kirby in memory of her late husband, Judge Jack Goldring. Also featuring music by Matthew Hindson, Ann Carr-Boyd and more!

Steel City Strings is back in 2021 with an exciting concert event to present a new composition, ‘Cinque Forme d’Amore’ (‘Five Kinds of Love’) by Elena Kats-Chernin, voted the most popular Australian composer in 2019’s ABC Classic’s Favourite Composer countdown. This piece was commissioned by local philanthropist Sue Kirby in memory of her late husband, Judge Jack Goldring. Also featuring music by Matthew Hindson, Ann Carr-Boyd and more!

After months of being locked out of concert halls, Wollongong's Award-Winning Chamber Orchestra, STEEL CITY STRINGS is thrilled to make a welcome and COVID safe return to Berry School of Arts. A program that is short and sweet offers two old favourites, Antonio Vivaldi's Concerto for Two Cellos and Peter Warlock's popular Capriol Suite. And a surprise: Ernest Bloch’s Concerto Grosso No.1 for strings and piano obbligato. A joyous celebration of string writing at its very best.

From October to December 2020, Steel City Strings will perform its inaugural Digital Season. 3 incredible 40-minute concerts. 3 incredible months. It will see a combination of complete orchestra works such as Warlock's 'Capriol Suite', trios, quartets and various solo performances from our principal and associate artists. Oct: Vivaldi, Beethoven, Mendelssohn Nov: Corelli, Ravel, Holst Dec: Mozart, Shostakovich, Warlock Trailer: https://youtu.be/HPVl-9gsCqs

After months of being locked out of concert halls, Wollongong's Award-Winning Chamber Orchestra, STEEL CITY STRINGS is thrilled to make a welcome and COVID safe return to Bowral Memorial Hall. A program that is short and sweet offers two old favourites, Antonio Vivaldi's Concerto for Two Cellos and Peter Warlock's popular Capriol Suite. And a surprise: Ernest Bloch’s Concerto Grosso No.1 for strings and piano obbligato. A joyous celebration of string writing at its very best.

After months of being locked out of concert halls, Wollongong's Award-Winning Chamber Orchestra, STEEL CITY STRINGS is thrilled to make a welcome and COVID safe return to Berry School of Arts. A program that is short and sweet offers two old favourites, Antonio Vivaldi's Concerto for Two Cellos and Peter Warlock's popular Capriol Suite. And a surprise: Ernest Bloch’s Concerto Grosso No.1 for strings and piano obbligato. A joyous celebration of string writing at its very best.

The Composer is in the Room features the world premiere of a new work by Elena Kats-Chernin who was voted number one favourite Australian composer in the recent ABC Favourite Composers countdown. It is a great honour for our region to premiere this work, which was commissioned by a local philanthropist specifically to be presented in our region by Steel City Strings. Other works, by local composers, have also been chosen for their audience appeal.

The Composer is in the Room features the world premiere of a new work by Elena Kats-Chernin who was voted number one favourite Australian composer in the recent ABC Favourite Composers countdown. It is a great honour for our region to premiere this work, which was commissioned by a local philanthropist specifically to be presented in our region by Steel City Strings. Other works, by local composers, have also been chosen for their audience appeal.

The Composer is in the Room features the world premiere of a new work by Elena Kats-Chernin who was voted number one favourite Australian composer in the recent ABC Favourite Composers countdown. It is a great honour for our region to premiere this work, which was commissioned by a local philanthropist specifically to be presented in our region by Steel City Strings. Other works, by local composers, have also been chosen for their audience appeal.

Earth Connections features William Barton, widely recognised as Australia’s finest didgeridoo player. He says "I want to take the oldest culture in the world and blend it with Europe's rich musical legacy.” Steel City Strings will reach out to William, his friends, and local Indigenous artists in a program of shared creations.

Earth Connections features William Barton, widely recognised as Australia’s finest didgeridoo player. He says "I want to take the oldest culture in the world and blend it with Europe's rich musical legacy.” Steel City Strings will reach out to William, his friends, and local Indigenous artists in a program of shared creations.

The Composer is in the Room features the world premiere of a new work by Elena Kats-Chernin who was voted number one favourite Australian composer in the recent ABC Favourite Composers countdown. It is a great honour for our region to premiere this work, which was commissioned by a local philanthropist specifically to be presented in our region by Steel City Strings. Other works, by local composers, have also been chosen for their audience appeal.

Be the first to choose your preferred venue and seat for all three series in our very exciting 2020 season line up.

Not sure you can get to all three series throughout the year? A two series subscription allows you to book your seat(s) at any two of the three concert series in 2020.

We are delighted to welcome back violinist Anna da Silva Chen playing Beethoven’s violin concerto. With our string orchestra augmented with brass, woodwind and percussion, we will be performing Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony and Paul Stanhope’s ‘Morning Star’ for string orchestra.

We are delighted to welcome back violinist Anna da Silva Chen playing Beethoven’s violin concerto. With our string orchestra augmented with brass, woodwind and percussion, we will be performing Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony and Paul Stanhope’s ‘Morning Star’ for string orchestra.

We are delighted to welcome back violinist Anna da Silva Chen playing Beethoven’s violin concerto. With our string orchestra augmented with brass, woodwind and percussion, we will be performing Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony and Paul Stanhope’s ‘Morning Star’ for string orchestra.

Classically-trained multi-instrumentalist Des Cannings formed his own jazz band at age 14 and hasn't looked back. His Big Band - comprising vocals, brass, keyboard and rhythm - will combine with Steel City Strings to perform large orchestral works (Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue"), film music, jazz and more

Not sure you can get to all three series throughout the year? A two series subscription allows you to book your seat(s) at any two of the three concert series in 2019.

Classically-trained multi-instrumentalist Des Cannings formed his own jazz band at age 14 and hasn't looked back. His Big Band - comprising vocals, brass, keyboard and rhythm - will combine with Steel City Strings to perform large orchestral works (Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue"), film music, jazz and more.

Following our highly successful Celebration of Youth concert in 2017, we once again showcase the awesome talent of young musicians and composers of the Illawarra, South Coast and Southern Highlands. We will be joined by BlueScope Youth Orchestra in a selection of orchestral favourites, and young composer Adrian Whitehall will write a work commissioned for the occasion. Featured soloist is the winner of the Wollongong Conservatorium Concerto Competition 2018, bassoonist Peter Lavilles.

. * PLEASE NOTE THIS BOOKING PAGE IS FOR STEEL CITY STRINGS SUBSCRIBERS ONLY * FOR ALL SINGLE PERFORMANCE TICKET SALES please purchase direct from the Wollongong Town Hall box office: https://merrigong.com.au/shows/celebration-of-youth/

Be the first to choose your preferred venue and seat for all three series in our very exciting 2019 season line up.

Following our highly successful Celebration of Youth concert in 2017, we once again showcase the awesome talent of young musicians and composers of the Illawarra, South Coast and Southern Highlands. We will be joined by BlueScope Youth Orchestra in a selection of orchestral favourites, and young composer Adrian Whitehall will write a work commissioned for the occasion. Featured soloist is the winner of the Wollongong Conservatorium Concerto Competition 2018, bassoonist Peter Lavilles.

Virtuoso guitarist Aleksandr Tsiboulski joins Steel City Strings to play Ross Edwards’ Arafura Dances: Concerto for Guitar and Strings and Boccherini’s Fandango. Also on the program, Elgar’s Serenade for Strings, Barber’s Adagio and more.

Steel City Strings is joined by boutique choir con voci and soloists Susie Bishop (soprano), Daniel Tambasco (tenor) and Jared Lillehagen (bass) in works by Grieg, Fauré and Schubert.

Steel City Strings return with their first program for 2018. The program comprises string orchestra performances of some of the most loved string quartets, including Dvorak String Quartet No 12, Op 96 in F major “the American”, and Mendelssohn String Quartet No 2, Op. 13 in A minor. As usual, there will be a “crowd pleaser” or two, and a contemporary work by a local composer.

Steel City Strings subscription series in Wollongong : 7.30 pm on Saturday 24 March, 23 June, 22 September Steel City Strings subscription series in Kiama: 2pm on Sunday 18 March, 1 July, 16 September Steel City Strings subscription series other venues: 2pm on Sunday 25 March (Berry), 24 June (Southern Highlands), 23 September (Nowra)

A 76 minute feature documentary film Acclaimed filmmaker Tony Williams draws us into the heart of a chamber orchestra – Wollongong-based Steel City Strings – and reveals the interaction and the stories of the people behind the music. “Tony Williams’ film demonstrates that music is not some optional extra, it is our greatest form of expression and our lifeblood”. Andrew Ford – composer and radio presenter on ABC The Music Show Portion of sales will be fundraising for Steel City Strings