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North Sydney Symphony Orchestra

The North Sydney Symphony Orchestra was the first orchestra to be established on Sydney's North Shore. It was founded in 1947 by Dr Alan Bellhouse, a distinguished mathematician, musician and author of several musical textbooks. Together with his wife, Dulcie Holland - an eminent composer - their joint aim for the orchestra was as a vehicle for students and amateur musicians to gain experience in orchestral playing while becoming acquainted with the classical music repertoire.

In 1946 Dr Bellhouse approached North Sydney Council which provided financial assistance to establish both the North Shore Symphony Orchestra and the North Shore Choral Society. The first rehearsal took place on 14 February, 1947 in St Thomas Hall, North Sydney, and the inaugural concert was given on 20 June in the same year. Initially the orchestra acted in the role of  accompanist to the choir. This continued until 1950 when it finally performed in its own right in a concert held in the old North Sydney Council Chambers Hall. This concert cemented the Orchestra as an independent entity, paving the way for it to produce its own regular concert season. In June, 1994 the Orchestra celebrated its 300th concert.

In 1986 the Orchestra was incorporated as the North Sydney Symphony Orchestra to distinguish it from other orchestras which had since been established on the North Shore. Its current conductor is Steven Hillinger.