The Inner West Symphony Orchestra (IWSO) has inclusion, collaboration and communication at its core. From its beginnings in 2023 – the brainchild of three former music teaching colleagues from Melbourne’s western suburbs – the IWSO has grown into a vibrant community of musicians. Our members represent a beautiful cross-section of the wider community in age, gender and neuro-diversity, physical capabilities and cultural backgrounds, brought together by our love of music and the joy of creating art with others. We welcome players of all abilities, with the understanding that community music making is not about mastery but about growth!

Although community orchestras abound in Victoria, for many decades none existed within the western suburbs of Melbourne. Musicians wanting to play in an orchestra had to travel east or north of the city, or put their dreams and creativity on hold. The IWSO has given local musicians the gift of community, connection and music-making right here in our own backyard; to meet like-minded creatives and, for some, to dust off their instruments and their dreams.

We celebrate each and every member and the joy they bring, and look forward to sharing music that reflects the unique perspective of our western suburbs with audiences for many years to come.

Maria Lancaster
IWSO President