Welcome to Whale Coast Symphony Orchestra — a community-driven ensemble bringing music to life along the beautiful Overberg coast.
We are a passionate group of musicians ranging from dedicated amateurs to experienced performers, united by a love for orchestral music and a belief in its power to inspire, connect and uplift.
Based in Hermanus, South Africa, we perform a repertoire including classical favourites and contemporary works – and we’re committed to growing our ensemble and audience.
Whether you’re here to attend a concert, join as a musician, or support our outreach projects, we’re glad to have you as part of our musical journey.
🎶 Stay tuned for updates on upcoming performances, community events, and how you can get involved!
Our Vision
At the Whale Coast Symphony Orchestra, our vision is to make orchestral music an accessible and enriching part of life for everyone in our community.
We aim to foster a vibrant musical culture along the South African coast — one that celebrates diversity, encourages lifelong learning, and brings people together through shared musical experiences.
Through high-quality performances, educational outreach, and collaborative projects, we strive to nurture local talent, inspire the next generation of musicians, and build meaningful connections between artists and audiences.
We believe music is not a luxury — it’s a language of connection, creativity, and collective expression. And we’re here to keep that language alive and resonant in our corner of the world.
Our Team
Our Music Leaders
Conductor/Musical Director – Harry Attwood
This is a placeholder bio for one of our wonderful team members. Their full blurb is coming soon — once we track them down and make them talk about themselves!
Concertmaster – Rea Costerus
Rea Costerus-Prinsloo studied violin with Marina Louw and Prof. Jack de Wet and holds a BMus (Hons) Cum Laude from the University of Cape Town. She was a finalist and category winner in several national competitions and the overall winner of the Huguenot Music Competition. Awarded a scholarship to attend the Interlochen Arts Camp (USA), she performed with the World Youth Orchestra.
As soloist she has performed Violin Concerto No. 1 by Max Bruch on tour in Europe with the Hugo Lambrecht Symphony Orchestra, where she also served as concertmaster. She has appeared as soloist with the Natal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra, made radio recordings for the South African Broadcasting Corporation, and recently performed at FynArts Festival alongside Lara Kirsten. Rea serves as WCSO’s Concertmaster.
Admin And Co-ordination Team
Chairman – Fran Taljaard
This is a placeholder bio for one of our wonderful team members. Their full blurb is coming soon — once we track them down and make them talk about themselves!
Deputy Chair – Nici Proudlock
She’ll tell you she’s simply someone who enjoys playing the cello with the orchestra, but as our Deputy Chair, Nici is much more than that. A calm, practical presence, she’s the one who keeps the committee focused, organised, and moving forward, turning ambitious ideas into achievable plans. Her quiet leadership, sound judgement, and unwavering support are an invaluable part of WCSO.
External Communications/Marketing Co-ordinator – Dan Bloch
I play alto and tenor sax in the orchestra and I love it! I played in orchestras, wind and jazz bands at school and in a 12-piece jazz funk band (the Rhythm Method) at university, but hadn’t been in any kind of musical collective for years until I moved from the UK with my family to SA. There I met Harry, Annemarie, Danielle and the others who would eventually coalesce into WCSO, in 2023. And it’s been a blast! When I’m not making music with my mates, or doing my day job as a freelance journalist, you can find me tinkering with my Ducati Monster S2R 800, occasionally plying the waves in a sea kayak or with my nose in a good book.
Role – Name
This is a placeholder bio for one of our wonderful team members. Their full blurb is coming soon — once we track them down and make them talk about themselves!
Professional Musicians In WCSO
Several of our musicians also perform professionally and are available for weddings, corporate events, studio sessions and private teaching. Supporting them helps sustain the musical life of our region — and brings beautiful live music to your special moments.
If you’re looking to hire a string quartet, soloist, ensemble, or private teacher, feel free to reach out directly or contact us and we’ll connect you.
Name – Instrument
This is a placeholder bio for one of our amazing professional musicians. Their full blurb is coming soon — as soon as we reveal they’re being shamelessly promoted.
Email: placeholder@blabla.co.za
Phone: 123 456 7890
Name – Instrument
This is a placeholder bio for one of our amazing professional musicians. Their full blurb is coming soon — as soon as we reveal they’re being shamelessly promoted.
Email: placeholder@blabla.co.za
Phone: 123 456 7890
