Music, Creativity, and Community: Wrapping Up the Year with the IWSO

As the year wrapped up, the Inner West Symphony Orchestra (IWSO) had the absolute privilege of being part of two incredible events that reminded us why we do what we do: sharing music, sparking joy, and building connections in our community.

First up was a magical evening at Lifestyle Communities Deanside on Thursday, 5th December, where Holly and Jeremy brought the festive spirit to life. This wasn’t just any performance—it was a special request from residents who had attended our final concert of the year, Love, Death, and Destiny. They’d been so moved by the experience that they asked if we could share a little of that joy at their Christmas celebrations.

And share we did! Holly and Jeremy’s music filled the room, creating a warm, celebratory atmosphere. From timeless carols to festive melodies, their performance brought smiles, laughter, and even a few sing-alongs. Seeing the residents connect with the music—and each other—was truly heartwarming.

Not long after, on Tuesday, 10th December, we took part in Yarraville After Hours: Bad Art Night, a vibrant community event hosted by Maribyrnong Libraries and all about unleashing creativity. For this final session of the year, Justin, Holly, cubbie and Ali formed a quartet, adding a musical touch that elevated the whole evening.

Picture this: brushes hitting canvas, paint splashing, and our music weaving through it all, creating the perfect soundtrack for a room buzzing with creative energy. It was one of those moments where art and music collided beautifully, inspiring everyone to let go and simply create.

Both of these events were special in their own way. Whether it was spreading holiday cheer in Deanside or collaborating with artists in Yarraville, these moments reminded us how powerful music can be in bringing people together.

Thank you to everyone who invited us into their spaces and shared these wonderful experiences with us. We can’t wait to see what’s next!