Hobart Wind Symphony

The Hobart City Wind Symphony is a high-level ensemble performing the peak repertoire of the wind band.  The ensemble aims to produce high quality music for contest and concert performance.  The Wind Symphony competes in Tasmanian State and National Band Championships.   

The Wind Symphony was the Australian National Open A-Grade Concert Champion in 2009. 2010. 2013 and 2017 and has been the Tasmanian Open A-Grade Concert Champion since 2007. 

The Wind Symphony performs concerts in Hobart in venues such as the Town Hall, Sir Stanley Burbury Theatre, St David’s Cathedral, The Farrall Centre and the University of Tasmania Conservatorium Music Recital Hall.  It has premiered a number of works by Tasmanian composers and participated in major choral events. 

In 2007, the ensemble completed its first recording, funded by Arts Tasmania.  In 2009, Hobart City Band Inc. Released Extreme Makeover, a CD featuring both the Hobart City Wind Symphony and the Hobart City Brass Band.  The Wind Symphony has approximately 60 members.  Positions are offered, without audition, at the discretion of the Conductor. 

Musical Director:  Simon Reade 

Born in Launceston, Tasmania in 1977, Simon Reade is a conductor, composer, educator and trumpet player. Simon is passionate about the performance of new music and has given the world premiere of over 100 new works by Tasmanian composers, many of these with the Hobart Wind Symphony, which he has directed for over 25 years. Simon also directs both the large ensembles at the University of Tasmania, conducts Tasmania’s only A grade Brass Band for Glenorchy City Brass, as well as working freelance with professional and community organisations, including the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. He is a fully represented composer at the Australian Music Centre and in 2022 was awarded the APRA/AMCOS State Luminary Award for Tasmania, for his sustained contribution as a conductor and the promotion of Australian Music. 

Image supplied by Hobart Wind Symphony