The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra played to appreciative audiences in Millicent and Mount Gambier last week.

The South East tour began on Thursday when eight players and guest singer Susan Ferguson presented a version of the Herman and Rosie story at the Millicent War Memorial Civic and Arts Centre.

The 300-strong audience got to dance and sing along to the hour-long show.

It was not a public performance but given to Mount Burr Primary School, Newberry Park Primary School and St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School students and some home-schooled students.

The ASO last played at this venue almost 40 years ago in September, 1983.

Honorary Millicent sound and lighting technician John Mullins was on duty that night and again assisted with the latest ASO performance.

The full ASO graced the stage of the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre in Mount Gambier on the following night thanks to the support of the major regional partner, Elders.

“What made this concert so unique is that it featured original music composed in collaboration with the talented students from the region as part of the ASO’s Silos and Symphonies learning program,” an ASO spokesperson said.

“We’re proud to have worked with Millicent High School and St Martin’s Lutheran College students, who teamed up with composers Adam Page and Hilary Kleinig in 2022 to create exceptional new music.

“We’re thrilled to bring their music to life right in the heart of the region that inspired it.”

The Helpmann Theatre program also featured some well-known classical music from major composers.

Prior to the concert, some members of the Limestone Coast Symphony Orchestra played in the courtyard.