The UNSW Wind Symphony was founded in 1991 (as the UNSW Wind Band) to perform works specially composed for wind ensembles with or without percussion. The Wind Symphony provides a rich experience for musicians who prefer to play this repertoire, largely dating from after 1900. Also in the repertoire of the Wind Symphony are arrangements of works from all eras and styles, including jazz, popular and art-music forms.
The Wind Symphony offers a congenial home, as well, to many of the woodwind and brass players on campus, and comprises about 50 players at any one time both from UNSW School of the Arts and Media and other departments.
The Wind Band (as it was first called) was established by two undergraduate students, David Gilfillan and Emery Schubert, and gave its first concert on 26 May 1991.
The regular conductors of the UNSW Wind Band in past years were: David Gilfillan (1991-1993), Chris Blenkinsopp (1994-1998 and 2001-2003), Gary McPherson (1999-2000), Mathias Rogala-Koczorowski (2004-2006), Steven Hillinger (2006-2012), and Dr Steven Capaldo (2013-2017). Emery Schubert has been a frequent guest conductor.
Since 2013, the UNSW Wind Band has been known as the UNSW Wind Symphony, reflecting the shift in the ensemble's repertoire over its history and all members are a part of UNSW Society of Orchestra and Pipers.
Members of the UNSW Wind Symphony are eligible for the Willgoss Instrumental Prize each year.
Rehearsals
Schedule: 4:00-6:15 pm, Tuesdays during Term
Location: Sir John Clancy Auditorium
Registrations for Term 2 2026 are now open.
Register here.
If you have any questions, please email cmc@unsw.edu.au.
For academic or enrolment enquiries, please email the School of the Arts & Media sam@unsw.edu.au.
Census date for academic enrollment is Thursday 25 June 2026.
Sophie Unsen
UNSW Wind Symphony Conductor
Sophie Unsen is a Sydney-based conductor, music educator and instrumentalist. She holds a Bachelor of Music (Performance) from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and began her Master of Teaching (Secondary) in 2022. She is a 2026 Conducting Scholar with Perth Symphony Orchestra as part of their Women on the Podium program, and has completed ABODA Level 2 Conducting.
Sophie currently leads ensembles across Sydney conducting Wind Ensembles, Jazz Bands and Orchestra. She also works regularly as a woodwind tutor, guest conductor, and adjudicator with organisations including Sydney Youth Orchestra (SYO) and The Arts Unit.
As a performer, Sophie has toured extensively as a member of the performing arts group Taikoz, specialising in Japanese drums and bamboo flute. She also holds her AMusA and LMusA in saxophone.
Sophie is passionate about conducting and is committed to pursuing a career that creates positive and lasting impact through the transformative power of music.
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