Who We Are | Sun Coast Symphony

SCSO in a nutshell...

Sunshine Coast Symphony Orchestra has rehearsed and performed continuously since it was founded in 1972 by Olive Frame.

We are made up of 50 amateur and professional musicians living on the Sunshine Coast, and our players range in age from 18-80.

Amongst our members we have internationally renowned soloists, successful film music composers, top level music teachers, lots of nurses, doctors and lawyers, a Buddhist nun, a player who crossed the Nullabor on his bicycle last year, and a whole bunch of really great people who share a passion for performing beautiful music.

SCSO is supported by many people...some players, some partners of players, and some generous souls who help us out with their expertise just because they can. See our "Support SCSO" page to learn more.

SCSO is registered with the Australian not-for-profit and charity commission (ACNC) and donations, bequests, and sponsorship offers are all tax deductible.

Meet the SCSO Board

Sunshine Coast Symphony Orchestra's operations and concert production are managed by an experienced volunteer Board

Mr Greg Seeto, President

Greg is a passionate musician, community leader, and seasoned business executive.

Greg has held key leadership roles with major Australian and international corporations, served on the Board of Queensland Youth Orchestras, led the Brisbane Concert Orchestra, and has performed with various orchestras and ensembles across Australia and Europe.

Combining his musical expertise with a strong background in law and governance, Greg brings a wealth of experience and direction to his role as President of the Sunshine Coast Symphony Orchestra.

In 2020 Greg was awarded General Counsel of the Year at the Australian Law Awards, and in 2023 was named as one of Australia’s Top 10 Governance Professionals.

Dr Andrew Paszkowski, Secretary

Andrew began violin at age 8 and then viola at age 15 under the tuition of Alex Todicescu.

He played for several years in the Sydney and Australian Youth Orchestras.

Andrew maintained his love of music through the rigours of medical school and specialist training as a nuclear medicine radiologist.

Since moving to the Sunshine Coast, Andrew has been involved in Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra as a conductor and tutor, was a founding member of Pacific Chamber Players, and has played for many years with SCSO.

Andrew brings many years of business and managerial experience to the SCSO Board having run a successful radiology practice for many years.

Mrs. Pauline Ferris, Treasurer

Pauline Ferris is an experienced bookkeeper who has volunteered her expertise to a range of NFP organisations, and served as SCSO Treasurer since 2023.

Pauline is an avid concert goer and usually part of our audience so please say hello if you see her at intermission and thank her for doing such a great job for us!

Mrs. Genevieve Bignell, Orchestra Leader

Genevieve was born in Sydney and educated in England and Canberra. She studied Violin at the Canberra School of Music under Ernest Llewellyn and played with both the Canberra Youth Orchestra and the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. She later graduated from Melbourne University with a Bachelor of Education.

Genevieve has had a long and exciting career in music education in a number of fine schools both in Melbourne and on the Sunshine Coast. She has also published a book on teaching composition to young children. Genevieve has been the Leader of SCSO for the last six years.

Her wise leadership is much appreciated by SCSO musicians and the Board.

Mr Nelson Oakley, Orchestra Manager

Nelson Oakley's 45 year music career has taken him around the world, both in the Australian Army Band Corps and as an independent musician.

Nelson is a brass instrumental specialist teacher in schools across the Sunshine Coast and has served as a Music Director for Sunshine Brass in addition to his service as SCSO's Orchestra Manager.

Nelson holds qualifications in both music performance and music management and his skill set is a great asset to our Board.

Dr Emma Secomb, Marketing Manager

Emma Secomb has played oboe for SCSO since 2015, and prior to taking on the role of SCSO Marketing Manager also served as both SCSO Treasurer and Secretary.

Emma began oboe at 11, and played with many orchestras in Melbourne including the Melbourne Bach Chorale and Melbourne Youth Orchestra, though took a long break from music whilst completing her qualification as a specialist General Surgeon.

Emma has served as an elected Board member for General Surgeons Australia and the College of Surgeons Queensland State Committee, and through her trauma training work has developed a particular interest in building high functioning teams and developing communication skills.