MISSION STATEMENT

Joondalup Symphony Orchestra:
Inspiring our community and enriching lives through the power of music, inclusivity, engagement and education.

Our Values

Joondalup Symphony Orchestra
is a thriving, inclusive and dynamic orchestra which represents the following values:

Joondalup Symphony Orchestra (JSO) is a thriving, inclusive, dynamic and modern organisation located within the City of Joondalup. Our current repertoire varies from classical to contemporary and everything in between. We take great pride in having such a diverse repertoire in order to be more engaging to our audience.

The Symphony orchestra launched on 1 July 2021 with the addition of the development orchestra JSO Intermezzo in August 2021. Less than a year later in April 2022, JSO Chorus was launched at the JSO Royal Variety Performance.

Our membership continues to grow with 150 members performing regularly across all of our ensembles.

Joondalup Symphony Orchestra caters for musicians playing at Grade 5 and above (AMEB or Suzuki equivalent)

Rehearsals: Thursday 7pm-9pm in Hillarys

Michaela Jones

An accomplished musician, Michaela first became interested in conducting in 2010 and went on to truly embrace her passion for conducting in 2021 when she became co-founder and Music Director of Joondalup Symphony Orchestra. Michaela’s dedication as the JSO Music Director over the past two years has seen JSO perform eight sell-out shows with audiences of up to 800 people, as well as ensemble performances on the main stage at the Perth Royal Show in 2021, the City of Wanneroo’s Christmas Fiesta in 2022, and a performance at the City of Wanneroo’s Symphony Under the Stars in 2023. Michaela was selected for Perth Symphony Orchestra’s highly regarded, ‘Women on the Podium’ program, working with world-renowned conductors such as Alice Farnham, Sarah-Grace Williams, Jessica Gethin and Peter Moore. Prior to the creation of JSO, Michaela was Concertmaster of The Hills Symphony Orchestra and guest performer for several bands across Australia. She continues in her role as string teacher at numerous prestigious schools throughout Perth.

“At JSO, we love having a varied repertoire to perform to our wider community.
Not only do we love playing it, but we love how engaging it is for our audience.”

Lisa Robertson

Lisa began playing the violin when she was 7 years old and went on to study the trombone in her early teens. Growing up in Queensland, Lisa was involved in many musical groups such as orchestras, string ensembles, brass bands and stage bands. These provided many opportunities to perform locally, interstate and internationally. Highlights of Lisa’s musical journey include touring with the 50-piece Queensland-based Youth Orchestra through South East Asia and to some of the most remote Torres Strait Island communities (many by invitation only). Lisa taught violin for several years at Joondalup Music before taking a break to raise her daughters.

“Music is a universal language that has always been a big part of my life and a continuous source of inspiration.
It is a thrill and an honour to be part of Joondalup Symphony Orchestra and to share my passion for music with those around me.”

Ichina Parker

Ichina is a violinist with over 20 years of teaching experience. In her teens and 20s, she toured with Western Australian Youth Orchestra several times and has been delighted to reconnect with ensemble peers in recent years, many of whom have since become prominent teachers and performers across Perth and beyond.

As a string specialist, Ichina has taught violin, viola, cello, double bass and string ensemble for Instrumental Music School Services. She has also conducted for WA Youth Strings and is a driving member of the Sunday Birds Ensemble. Ichina has been Principal Second violin for JSO for several years and has also taken part in community events such as Rusty Orchestra with WASO.

She is passionate about seeing people find that special spark of enjoyment that comes from ensemble playing at any age. In her spare time, Ichina loves to eat chips, share memes, laugh a lot and work on paintings.

Rehearsals are engaging and fun-filled sessions are designed to cater to all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a brand new to choir singing.

Experienced Musical Director Pia Harris will expertly guide you through each session, helping you learn a diverse repertoire of local songs, harmonies, and dynamic parts.

Pia Harris

Pia Harris, a music director, conductor and soprano, completed her Masters at the Royal College of Music in London and underwent training programs at English National Opera and the National Opera Studio. She has performed as a principal artist with Opera Holland Park London, New York Lyric Opera, and West Australian Opera. Pia is currently Director of Music at Breaksea, having performed, programmed and produced many large scale projects over the last 5 years, and is a participant in Perth Symphony Orchestra’s Women on the Podium conducting program.

Pia has assisted the conductors of many West Australian Opera performances and will be music directing two choral projects in Perth Metro and Kalgoorlie. Pia was the music director and conductor for this year’s City of Joondalup Community Choral Project and is a 2023 UWA Choral Society Fellow.