About the SWSO

South West Sydney Orchestras (SWSO), originally called Fisher's Ghost Youth Orchestra (FGYO), is a not-for-profit organisation that was formed in 1987 with the aim of providing the South West Sydney community with it's own orchestra.

FGYO was founded as a singular youth ensemble in Campbelltown in 1987 by an enthusiastic strings teacher, Pam Oxenham.  In 2013, FGYO re-established a junior ensemble with, the current FGYO, with just a handful of eager primary school students. Since that time, the SWSO has grown immensely and there are now four ensembles under the South West Sydney Orchestras banner:
- Prelude Strings
- Intermezzo Strings
- Chamber Strings
- Fishers Ghost Youth Orchestra
- Beginner Adult Ensemble

We also offer Introductory Courses each term to complete beginners on violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, french horn, baritone, and tuba.

Concerts and Opportunities

SWSO currently performs regular subscription concerts each year within the Macarthur region where all ensembles perform.  Other performances include:

  • Kids Cushion Concerts at Campbelltown Arts Centre & Camden Civic Centre;
  • local business collective initiatives such as Christmas in Narellan;
  • local government initiatives such as Live and Local Camden and the Fisher's Ghost Parade;
  • fundraising and charity events;
  • local shopping centre pop up performances such as Narellan Town Centre, Oran Park Podium, Camden and Cobbitty markets;
  • local school immersive experience performances.

SWSO aims to promote the musical development of young people in the Greater South-West Sydney Region by providing opportunity to motivate and inspire students through participation in regular performances and regular school holiday workshops that are open to the public.  

The Orchestra performs a diverse repertoire - you'll find an ever-growing mix of the traditional to the progressive: classical, baroque, romantic, modern, post-modern, ballet music, film music, music from musicals, music from operas, Irish and other folk music, and even music from computer games. The Orchestra has been active in performing premiere performances of new works, including some by its own members.

To keep up to date with SWSO's regular performances and outreach programs, LIKE the South West Sydney Orchestras on Facebook, or add SWSO to your Instagram feed.

Sponsors and Donations

Can You Support Us?
SWSO has the lowest member fees in the area to ensure equitable music opportunities are available to the young musicians in our area.  Membership fees comprise only a small amount of the full cost of the SWSO Annual Music Program.  Through support from the Camden Council, our loyal donors and generous sponsors, all musicians' annual fees are subsidised. 

SWSO has several sponsorship packages that include for example advertising and or acknowledgement on our website, concert advertising and programs to any business or individual. Please contact fgyo.manager@gmail.com for more information on our sponsorship packages or to make a donation.

Official partners of South West Sydney Orchestras