Philharmonic South West Orchestra gear up for Christmas concert at Ferguson Farmstay

The Bunbury-based amateur orchestra was founded in 2009 and performs concerts throughout the South West region, including a Christmas show.

This year, it will be held at Ferguson Farmstay – which is 22km from Boyanup.

The 48 members are unpaid, and simply play for the love of music.

Members come from Margaret River all the way to Perth to contribute with the main goal to inspire and bring music to the South West.

Sabine Pfuhl, a member since 2010, said the one-off Christmas concert would be a special event considering the spectacular outdoor venue.

”There are not many amphitheatres in the area, it's just been created and has a beautiful view. Sitting there and watching the sunset is worth coming for,” Pfuhl said.

The orchestra is hoping to have 300 to 400 in attendance next Saturday.

The diverse age range of the group goes from 12 to 88.

“There are more teenagers in the orchestra than retired, which is very healthy.”

Fresh off the back of his Stars on Preston performance in Donnybrook with the South West Opera Company, tenor Rob Littlewood will sing recognisable classics including Luciano Pavarotti’s ‘O sole mio.

Pfuhl said audience participation would be encouraged during parts of the concert.

The Philharmonic South West Orchestra's Christmas concert – conducted by David Pye – will take place on December 3 with a 6.30pm start at Ferguson Farmstay.

Tickets are available from Ferguson Farmstay or online.

Audience members are advised to bring a pillow and a picnic blanket, but no chairs or umbrellas.

In the event of poor weather conditions, the concert will be held on December 4 instead.