By Amy Campion
When Helen Chauhan joined the Frankston Symphony Orchestra as a cellist in 2024, she found a warm and welcoming group of highly talented musicians that she enjoyed being part of. What soon became apparent was that they were also ambitious, with a clear drive to keep developing and share excellent music with as many people as they could.
At the start of this year, Helen stepped into the role of president, bringing a lifelong love of music alongside years of experience in management, governance and volunteering. Having first picked up the cello at seven or eight, she understands the discipline and delight of playing in an ensemble. Combined with her years managing teams and volunteering in community sport, she could see where her experience might be useful. “I felt I could really make a difference,” she said.
The FSO is already part of the cultural fabric of the region. As it approaches its 60th year, the FSO has weathered changes and challenges, including the difficult Covid period. The orchestra bounced back, but Helen says the next stage is about building on that foundation with fresh energy and clear intent.
For her, one of the most important steps has been recognising the musicians’ own aspirations. While the FSO is a community orchestra, the standard of musical talent and discipline is high, and the appetite for excellence is very real. Recent structural changes have been designed to support the musicians’ growth and elevate audience experiences. Expanding the role of conductor into the broader role of artistic director, for example, allows greater creativity and musical leadership to shape each season.
For Helen, the goal is not only to ensure that the musicians perform well and feel supported, but to make sure audiences feel welcome and know what to expect. Helen is keen to build the orchestra’s reputation for performances that are polished yet relaxed and welcoming to both seasoned concert-goers and people experiencing live classical music for the first time. The concerts are reasonably priced, not too long, and thoughtfully programmed, including familiar works alongside pieces audiences may not know yet but will enjoy.
The standard of performance, Helen says, often surprises people. The orchestra includes highly skilled local musicians and regularly showcases emerging artists, giving local audiences the chance to hear exceptional performers early in their careers. Peninsula violinist Louise Turnbull featured in the 2026 season and will return in 2027, and the FSO is proud to be featuring clarinettist Freya Parr in September.
The program is also expanding beyond three mainstage performances each season. Smaller ‘sideshow’ events allow the orchestra to try different formats, such as its 2026 Frankston Seniors Festival concert designed for hearing-impaired audience members, with Auslan, subtitles and audience-friendly acoustics. A jazz-themed cabaret-style event is also planned for next year.
Above all, Helen wants people to know that at its heart, the Frankston Symphony Orchestra belongs to this community. “You don’t have to travel into the city to hear wonderful music,” she said. “It’s right here on the Peninsula.”
