About Sydney Wind Symphony

The band originated when the City of Sydney endorsed the formation of the City of Sydney Youth Festival Concert Band as a special activity associated with the International Year of Youth in 1985.

The council's support for the band's continuance was sought in 1986 with the aim of performing at events leading up to and during Australia's 200th birthday celebrations. Known as the Bicentennial Band the group performed at some 75 public performances and toured overseas twice visiting England, France, Japan, Canada and USA. The Bicentennial Band completed its charter on 31 December 1988, and the City of Sydney Concert Band (now known as The City of Sydney Wind Ensemble) was formed.

Since the band became a permanent part of the Sydney scene in 1989, it has completed four further major tours. The first was returning to Sydney's sister city of Nagoya, Japan in 1990 and in 1991, visiting Ayers Rock, Northern Territory (Australia) followed by a three-week European tour in 1992 - the highlight being a performance at Australia National Day celebrations and World Expo '92 in Seville.

The band was honoured by the Australian Government in being the only non-professional group endorsed to perform at Expo '92. This tour, coincided with Sydney's Sesquicentennial Celebrations and saw the band return to our sister city of Portsmouth, England to perform at the Portsmouth Festival.

The ensemble has performed at prestigious events such as the visit of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, the host city announcement for the 2000 Olympic Games, the Lord Mayor's Charity Concert, the 60th Anniversary of the Harbour Bridge, Australia Day Celebrations, World Cup Cricket Matches and many more.

Whilst no longer sponsored by the Council of the City of Sydney, the ensemble still maintains its primary objective - to provide entertainment for the citizens of Sydney. As such, City band still participates in many community events organised by councils throughout Sydney as well as high-profile events such as the Centenary of Federation Parade on 1 January 2001, Anzac Days and St Patrick's Days. In April 2004, under the musical direction of Steven Hillinger, the City of Sydney Wind Ensemble was named Open A Grade Concert Band Champions.

The Sydney Wind Symphony gratefully acknowledges the support of Club Willoughby.