LSO PERFORMANCES & EVENTS
Since inception in 2013, the Lightly Strung Orchestra has performed at a variety of free events across the Northern Beaches as well as performances further afield including the Blue Mountains and Newcastle Ukulele Festivals. We have shared amazing memories making music together and this magnificent sea of blue has been truly one of the amazing groups of people we have ever met! Uke on!
The LSO @ the Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival - 10 February 2024
After 9 years performing at the annual BMUF, the LSO gave it their all for our final performance at the Carrington Marquee Stage, Katoomba on Saturday 10 February 2024. Amazing job people you truly are a magnificent sea of blue!!!!
Our Glen St Concert with Free Your Voice Studios - 10 December 2023
"Together" was an initiative led by Natasha Cupitt, Musical Director of Free Your Voice Studies and leader of the Iluka Hummingsong Choir. Joined by ukulele players from our Lightly Strung Orchestra, the event was HUGE and gave us all an opportunity to celebrate community music making in a post-Covid lockdown world. Sincere thanks to Natasha Cuppitt and her team for inviting us to be a part of your fabulous concert! Truly grateful 🙏🎶🎉❤️ and a MIGHTY effort from everyone!
War Vets Intergenerational Concert - 6 December 2023
So much fabulous fun playing for our intergenerational Christmas concert at the War Vets for Grandfriends and Little Diggers Preschoolers! We ALL love connecting with our inner child :)
The LSO in concert with the Northern Beaches Orchestra - 18 November 2023
Ukulele players from our LSO opened the community music concert at St Lukes Grammar School before musicians of the Northern Beaches Orchestra & Northern Beaches Youth Orchestra took to the stage. What a tremendous performance people! Special thanks to Marty Hardy on trombone for helping make our rendition of Minnie the Moocher kick butt and to Steve Buchanan for playing bass with us at the 11th hour. Truly grateful to both of you for your incredible talents and for letting us share our uke joy with the wonderful musical community work!
The Grandfriends/Little Diggers Music & Movement Concert - 15 June 2023
Grandfriends and families with preschoolers joined us for a fun and interactive morning of music making and singing at our free concert at the Montgomery Theatre, RSL Anzac Village (Narrabeen). Great fun was had by all ages, participating in songs that sparked the inner child in all of us with plenty of feet stomping, tapping, knees slapping and clapping! And we also solved one of the world's great mysteries by putting our arms in, our arms out and shaking them all about... THAT'S what it's all about! ;)
The Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival (Carrington Hotel, Katoomba) - 11 Feb 2023
So much fun to perform at the Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival again after a 3 years Covid hangover! Our 7th performance was full of fun and energy and enthusiasm and we even received a standing ovation!
An evening of ukulele and song with the LSO & Hummingsong Choir - 7:30pm, Weds 7 Dec 2022
What a divine evening of ukulele and song during our inaugural collaboration with the Karinya Hummingsong Community Choir. The audience enjoyed gorgeous choral arrangments performed by the 50+ strong Karinya Choir (lead by Kylie Tyson), fabulous ukulele arrangements performed by the 50+ strong The Lightly Strung Orchestra PLUS beautiful songs performed together by the joint efforts of the ukulele orchestra and choir.... What a wonderful way to finish off a challenging couple of years for music ensembles! Thank you everyone who attended and supported us.
The Newkulele Festival (Newcastle City Hall) - 10am, Sunday 11 Sep 2022
Woo hoo! So excited to have performed at the Newkulele Festival on the City Hall stage and had the opportunity to share some of our latest music. It was certainly the highlight of our performance calendar this year. Thanks to all the LSO ukesters and friends and family who were able to make the journey to perform or support us! Uke on!
Seaforth Arts Festival High Tea (Seaforth Anglican Church) - 27 Aug 2022
The aim of the Seaforth Arts Festival was to draw local visual artists and musicians to participate in a weekend of fun activities whilst raising funds for The Burdekin Association, supporting homeless youth on the Northern Beaches. The LSO had prepared an awesome range of performance pieces which we shared with a fabulous audience to support this event.
The Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival (Carrington Hotel, Katoomba) - 8 Feb 2020
Holy moly! The Lightly Strung Orchestra performed with gusto during a very wet and muddy Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival under the Carrington Hotel Marquee Stage, Katoomba. Thanks SO much to all the people who turned up and cheered us on and also a HUGE thanks to the organisers and volunteers who kept everyone spirits up despite the difficult conditions!
The Lightly Strung Orchestra Hawaiian Christmas Concert/Party - 15 Dec 2019
Getting back to the Hawaiian roots of ukulele certainly made for a fun and colourful dress up party for members of the Silver Strings Ensemble and Lightly Strung Orchestra. What a fabulous time! Thanks so much to the organising and decorating and games crews for making it super special for everyone.
Little Diggers & Grandfriends Christmas Concert (RSL Anzac Village) - 9 Dec 2019
There was plenty to sing about at our free "inter-generational" Christmas Concert for the young in age and young at heart! Inspired by the recent ABC documentary "Old People's Home for 4 year Olds" and featuring Shirley (87) and Ben (97) from the program, The Silver Strings Ensemble & LSO performed songs from the silly season with plenty of audience participation and lots of fun that ignited our festive spirit!
Our "String-topia" Concert (RSL Anzac Village) - 7 Dec 2019
Celebrating 4 and 6 stringed instruments, this concert was a musical treat to delight the senses! Audiences heard performances from our joyful ukulele groups, including The Silver Strings Ensemble & LSO, as well as sublime and cool grooves from Anna Martin-Scrase (cello) and Dean Gray (guitar) who together form the Double Standard Jazz Duo. It was indeed a magical event!
The RSL Anzac Village Winter Festival (RSL Anzac Village) - 17 Jun 2019
The Lightly Strung Orchestra and Silver Strings Ensemble joined forces to play a mighty HUGE set of popular singalong tunes to an appreciate audience on a cold and rainy Monday morning! We even managed to get members of audience up with us on stage to lead songs! And our swing dancers were fabulous! Well done on a MASSIVE effort gang!
The Northern Beaches Music Festival (Narrabeen RSL Club) - 4 May 2019
The LSO and Silver Strings Ensemble joined the Northern Beaches Music Festival for the first time. The Festival had been cancelled at the last minute but then rescued by the Narrabeen RSL so we were excited to be able to participate after all! We even managed to score a spot on the local Radio Northern Beaches and play a few of our songs live on air! What a hoot!
Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival 2019
The Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival (Katoomba) - 9 Feb 2019
The LSO was super excited to perform at the 10th annual Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival. Rain, hail and shine made their way into our 30 minute set, but we prevailed with gusto! Look at these uke-tastic smiles!! For more details click here.
The LSO Christmas Movie & Musicals Concert/Party - 18 Dec 2018
OMGoodness! Another dress up party to mark the end of another fabulous year of ukeing! Well done to the organisers of our Movies & Musicals theme for all the amazing decorations (including a red carpet!) and the fun and fabulous games! Awesome!
In Concert with the Northern Beaches Orchestra (Narrabeen Sports High School) - 24 Nov 2018
We had a wonderful afternoon of musical delights with the Northern Beaches Orchestra at our end of year extravaganza! The talented musicians of the LSO played music that made the audience sing, tap their feet, and lift the spirits!
The Newkulele Festival (Newcastle City Hall) - 20 Oct 2018
Our inaugural performance at this world-class event was AWESOME! Performing on the beautiful Concert Hall Stage, the LSO presented a wonderful set of their latest music to a fantastic audience! Thanks Newcastle! :)
The Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival (Carrington Marquee Stage, Katoomba) - 10 Feb 2018
For our fourth year in a row, the Lightly Strung Orchestra was among thousands of performers at the Carrington Hotel Marquee stage in Katoomba for this annual uke fest! The LSO blitzed the stage and had a ball!
The LSO 50's Christmas Concert/Party - 16 Dec 2017
How much do members of the LSO love to dress up! A "lot" is an understatement! Thanks so much for the fab Planning Committee for making our annual event a fun and fabulous affair!
In Concert with the Northern Beaches Orchestra (RSL Anzac Village) - 25 Nov 2017
The Lightly Strung Orchestra and the Northern Beaches Orchestra gave a smashing performance at their end-of-year spectacular! The NBO's performance of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake was incredible and the LSO's set was full of fun, frivolity and confetti! What an awesome event! No doubt the outfits had a lot to do with it! :)
Swooners & Crooners Concert (RSL Anzac Village) - 15 Jun 2017
The LSO gave a cracking performance full of fantastic sing-a-longs at their Swooners and Crooners Concert for the Village's Winter Festival! Photos courtesy of Glenn Nicholls of Frozen Moments Photography.
The Sydney Ukulele Spectacular (Westfield Warringah Mall) - 5 Mar 2017
After the very successful combined ukulele events of 2016 at Mall Music Macquarie Centre and Sunburst Music Coogee, Mall Music and Ukulele Down Under hosted an even bigger event for Ukulele Clubs and groups in and around Sydney and beyond. The event ran from 10am to 4pm and the Lightly Strung Orchestra was amongst the many performances. Well done gang!
The Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival (Katoomba) - 11 Feb 2017
Rocking the Carrington Hotel Marquee stage for the third time, the LSO cooked in the heat whilst giving the audience a real treat with some fantastic music for the uke festival.
LSO Christmas Party (RSL Anzac Village) - 26 Nov 2016
After a massive concert with the NBO we poured all our exhaustion into an after party/concert of sorts with a well deserved congratulatory pat on the back! Thanks to everyone in the LSO for another fabulous year of music making :)
In Concert with the Northern Beaches Orchestra (RSL Anzac Village) - 26 Nov 2016
The LSO enjoyed another sensational performance with the Northern Beaches Orchestra at the Montgomery Theatre, RSL Anzac Village at their end-of-year spectacular! From Brahams to Elvis, Ella Fitzgerald to George Ezra, Donizetti to Yazoo, our singers gave stunning performances! Well done everyone. :)
Rock for Heroes 2016 Benefit Day (Narrabeen RSL Club) - 5 Nov 2016
The LSO donated their time to help raise awareness for young homeless veterans and much needed funds for Homes for Heroes. All proceeds raised goes towards the wonderful work they do changing the lives of our young vets returning from conflicts who find themselves genuinely homeless. The event raised $7,491.
RSL Anzac Village Bowling Club Xmas in July Party (Lone Pine Room) - 13 Jul 2016
Led by the charismatic Col Crawford, President of the RSL Anzac Village Bowling Club, a small group of LSO ukesters hammed it up big time for the Xmas in July Concert! SO MUCH FUN!
at the RSL Anzac Village with John Chandler
The LSO Winter Concert at the War Vets (RSL Anzac Village) - 30 Jun 2016
The LSO had a hoot performing their free brunchtime concert at the "Dugout" in the Gallipoli Building at the RSL Anzac Village. Led by John Chandler and with everyone in full voice, we certainly rocked the crowd till lunchtime. Lots of fun had by all, especially the members of the orchestra!
Australia's Biggest Morning Tea (RSL Anzac Village) - 26 May 2016
The Lightly Strung Orchestra entertained the audience with plenty of sing-a-long gems at the RSL Anzac Village's own Mad Hatter Tea Party! The Montgomery Theatre was full of crazy hats and crazy folks! :)
The Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival (Carrington Hotel, Katoomba) - 13 Feb 2016
The LSO was among hundreds of performers at the Carrington Hotel Marquee stage in Katoomba. It was non-stop uke action all weekend and LSO-sters were in amongst it! Thank you so much to the fantastic support we received from lots of Northern Beaches ukesters who travelled all the way to the Blue Mountains just to see us perform... it was very much appreciated!
The RSL Anzac Village Christmas Concert - 8 Dec 2015
The War Vets annual Christmas Carols event was an epic 2 hour event involving local school choirs (Wheeler Heights Public School), the Veterans Voices and many more. The LSO brought the festivities to an end with the grand finale song bringing Santa to visit the crowd in an army jeep. Merry Christmas from the LSO!
The LSO Christmas Concert/Party - 29 Nov 2015
What a crazy crew of joyful ukesters the LSO is! What fun we had guessing who was who from our baby photos and listening to each other perform as we like to do! Thanks gang for another year of making music together :)
In Concert with the Northern Beaches Orchestra (RSL Anzac Village) - 28 Nov 2015
The LSO gave a mighty BIG performance with the Northern Beaches Orchestra again at the Montgomery Theatre, RSL Anzac Village. A world first! Combining an Ukulele Orchestra with a symphonic orchestra to perform Ravel's Bolero! Thank you to a fabulous audience!
The LSO performs at the 4th Annual Central Coast Ukulele Festival at the Entrance.
The Central Coast Ukulele Festival (The Entrance) - 27 Sep 2015
The Lightly Strung Orchestra put on a sensational performance at the 4th Annual Ukulele Festival on the Central Coast. Due to terrible weather, the event was moved indoors to The Diggers Club at the Entrance, and it was lovely to be welcomed by such a lovely audience. Well done to all the wonderful talent that performed at this event.
Ready to rock the crowd at the Arena Cove Stage, Westfield, Warringah Mall
Wowing the crowd at the Arena Cove Stage, Westfield, Warringah Mall
Ready to rock the crowd at the Arena Cove Stage, Westfield, Warringah Mall
Northern Beaches Music Festival (Centre Stage, Warringah Mall) - 12 Sep 2015
The LSO gave a cracking performance on the Centre Stage, Arena Cove, at Westfield Warringah Mall. Featuring singer Byron Tart and our own wonderful talent, the gig rocked the food court and was "one of the best ever" according to the Mall Music sound crew.
The boys are ready to sing!
The Lightly Strung Orchestra costumers are sensational
RSL Anzac Village African Festival (RSL Anzac Village) - 10 Jun 2015
The Lightly Strung Orchestra provided wonderful entertainment to a full house at the Montgomery Theatre, RSL Anzac Village, Narrabeen. Performing alongside African Beat drummers and dancers and the War Vets Lion Dancers, our very own percussionist Ben provided the encore performance. Well done everyone!
Northern Beaches Community Music Concert (RSL Anzac Village) - 22 Mar 2015
The Lightly Strung Orchestra and Northern Beaches Orchestra provided an absolutely SENSATIONAL afternoon of wonderful music making at the Montgomery Theatre, Narrabeen. From Byron Tart wowing the crowd with Heartbreak Hotel to the NBO performing Bizet's Carmen Suite it was a genre delight!
LSO and NBUGS will be performing on Valentine's Day at the Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival 2015
The Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival (Carrinngton Hotel, Katoomba) - 14 Feb 2015
The LSO (combined with the Northern BUGs) performed at the BIGGEST ukulele festival on the planet on Valentine's Day. What a sensational performance from all involved. The crowd had an awesome time singing with the group. Congratulations champions!
The Lightly Strung Orchestra and Northern Beaches Ukulele Gang perform together in concert at the RSL Anzac Village. Sensational effort gang!
The LSO & NBUGS Christmas Concert (RSL Anzac Village) - 14 Dec 2014
Streamers, bells, and shakers and lots of hearty singing were had by all at our free Christmas concert! The LSO and LSO-in-the-making-Northern BUGs performed together in concert to bring our audience a delicious variety of songs that got their feet tapping and soul rocking! :)
The Northern BUGS Christmas Concert (RSL Anzac Village) - 11 Dec 2014
A cast of many joined us at our “UKE-TASTIC” Christmas Concert at the Gallipoli Building, RSL Anzac Village, Narrabeen. The Northern Beaches Ukulele Gang (featuring residents from the RSL Anzac Village) performed songs from the silly season and many more to delight the spirit of all who attended.
NBUGS Spring Concert Sept 2014
NBUGS Spring Concert Sept 2014
The Northern BUGS Spring Concert (RSL Anzac Village) - 18 Sep 2014
Another sensational performance at the RSL Anzac Village, NBUGS now 22 strong perform for almost 90 minutes to a very appreciative audience! Almost everyone got up front to perform a solo - what a fantastic expression of life!
The Northern Beaches Community Music Concert (Pittwater High School) - 13 Sep 2014
The LSO and Northern BUGS performed alongside two other amazing groups at this wonderful celebration of community music making across the Northern Beaches. As the opening act, we set the stage alight with joy and song, followed by the beautiful acapella Owls & Pussycats Choir and finished off with the very professional Northern Beaches Orchestra. Congratulations to all involved and those who were performing for the very first time.
NBUGS performing at Warringah Mall
The Daniel Ho Concert (Dolphin Court Stage, Westfield Warringah Mall) - 9 Jul 2014
The LSO and Northern BUGs performed at the Warringah Mall Dolphin Court stage as the support act for the visiting Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso Daniel Ho. Both groups did a SPLENDID job with many performing in public for the very first time! Such a wonderful concert. Very proud indeed!
Getting ready for another song...
The Northern BUGS Winter Concert (RSL Anzac Village) - 26 Jun 2014
Doubling in size... and counting... the Northern BUGs (or LSO-in-training) rocked everyone's socks off with their style, energy and enthusiasm! Performing at the new Gallipoli Building at the RSL Anzac Village, we played everyone's favourite singalongs, and there were plenty of smiles all round... Well done everyone!
Taking a well earned bow!
The Northern Beaches Ukulele Gang Christmas Concert (RSL Anzac Village) - 12 Dec 2013
After playing the ukulele for just 3 months, residents of the RSL Anzac Village formed the Northern Beaches Ukulele Gang ("NBUGs") and wowed a 100 strong audience at the Gallipoli Building with a very colourful and celebratory Christmas Concert! Well done folks!
The Lightly Strung Orchestra Christmas Concert/Party - 15 Dec 2013
Celebrating our first year as the LSO, the gang got together to play ukuleles, play djembes and percussion instruments in a drum circle and sing, perform and enjoy making music! Such fun!