The North Shore's premier destination for arts and culture, The Concourse, celebrates its 10th anniversary this weekend. From experiencing the thrill of a symphony orchestra to rolling in the aisles to world class comedy, nervously performing in a school concert, marvelling at mesmerising projections, enjoying a delicious meal with friends or discovering a new author, The Concourse has been the site for many cherished memories over the last decade.
An initiative of Willoughby City Council, The Concourse is home to a dynamic range of live and visual arts, Chatswood's extensive library, the Civic Centre, a bustling outdoor space with a village green and outdoor screen and a range of lively eateries. Opened by the Governor of NSW, Marie Bashir on 17 September 2011, it has gone from strength to strength, cementing its place in the hearts of residents of the North Shore and beyond.
The venue for some of Sydney's most popular festivals, The Concourse hosts quality events including the Sydney Comedy Festival, Vivid Sydney, Sydney Guitar Festival and Sydney Writers Festival.
As a nucleus for nurturing culture in the community, it is the home of orchestra-in-residence, the renowned Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and Choir. The resident theatre company, Willoughby Theatre Company, regularly takes to its stages as do countless school bands and choirs and local dance companies.
Other highlights from the last 10 years include the English National Ballet, Australian National Ballet, the popular Live at Lunch series with flutist Jane Rutter, annual Australia Day citizen ceremonies, multicultural performances including K-Pop and Asian comedy, Human Nature and more recently a spectacular presentation of aerial acrobatics thanks to Legs on the Wall to the symphonic soundtrack.
Willoughby City Council Mayor Gail Giles-Gidney said that the iconic venue is a key demonstration of Council's mission to present high quality, innovative culture to the North Shore and beyond.
"Happy birthday to The Concourse! As the North Shore's cultural hub, we are proud that its stages have hosted some spectacular and unique performances. Due to the pandemic, in recent months it has been temporarily closed to the pubic, but we look forward to soon welcoming audiences again to enjoy Chatswood's unique brand of culture for the next 10 years and beyond," Mayor Gail Giles-Gidney said.
