The award-winning Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and Choir (WSOC) is widely recognised as Australia's finest community orchestra and choir. The orchestra was founded in 1965 and combined with the Northside Choral Society in 1973 to form WSOC. The resulting instrumental/vocal versatility has enabled WSOC to showcase many of classical music's best-known works to happy audiences and critical acclaim ever since. Along with performances throughout Metropolitan Sydney, regular regional tours have reinforced the organisation's reputation for providing performers and audiences with a high-quality musical experience.

From its beginning, WSOC has had a close relationship with Willoughby City Council as its principal sponsor. In May 2000 this relationship became closer, with the Council appointment of the organisation's first General Manager. Subsequently, the administration of WSOC has become a direct part of the Community Services Division of Council. This close relationship is unique within Australia. In August 2000, Willoughby City Council received the inaugural Orchestras of Australia Network award for 'Enlightened Or Exceptional Support To An Orchestra' for this ongoing and visionary support of WSOC.

WSOC's annual concert series - over 12 performances in Sydney's beautiful North Shore area, as well as regional tours - makes it a favourite with both seasoned audiences and new listeners. From the familiar strains of Mozart and Beethoven to the best of new Australian talent, WSOC programs offer something for everyone. Pre-concert talks, relaxed receptions and easy ticketing further enhance the concert experience. One 2005 subscriber said, "[WSOC] concerts are the perfect way to catch up with old friends and make some new ones along the way".

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1965
The Willoughby Symphony Orchestra founded by Albert Keats, Musical Director and Conductor.

1966
The Willoughby Symphony Orchestra performs its inaugural concert at the Artarmon Public School

1967
The Northside Choral Society and Willoughby Municipal Symphony perform their first concert together.

1972
The Willoughby Civic Centre opened.
The Willoughby Symphony Orchestra subscription series was inaugurated.
The first Willoughby Symphony Orchestra concert was held at the Civic Centre Town Hall.

1973
The Willoughby Symphony Orchestra combined with the Northside Choral Society to form the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and Choir.

1975
Robin Wood was appointed Conductor of the Willoughby Symphony Orchetsra.

1981
Robert Miller was appointed Chief Conductor of the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra.

1986
Neil Flottman was appointed Resident Conductor of the Willoughby Symphony Choir.

1988
Willoughby Symphony celebrated Australia's Bicentenary by playing a comissioned work "Bicentennial Festival Overture" by Wilfred Lehmann OAM.

1989
William Moxey was appointed Choir Master of the Willoughby Symphony Choir.

1990
The Willoughby Symphony Choir's rehearsal at St Paul's Hall featured on ABC TV's "Arts of Australia" program narrated by Margaret Whitlam on Sunday 24 June.
In the presence of His Excellency, Rear Admiral Peter Sinclair AO, Governor of NSW, Willoughby Symphony celebrated Willoughby's 125th Anniversary and "City" status.

1993
John Grundy was appointed Musical Director and Resident Conductor of the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra.

1995
Wilfred Lehmann OAM was appointed Principal Guest Conductor of Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and Choir.
Ex-broadcaster Les Kovacs commenced presenting pre-concert talks.

1996
Regular concert days of Friday nights and Tuesday nights changed to Friday nights and Sunday afternoons.

1997
Th Willoughby Choir moved its rehearsal venue from St Paul's Anglican Church, Chatswood to Roseville Uniting Church, Roseville.

2000
Nicholas Milton was appointed Chief Conductor of the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra.
The Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and Choir became a part of the Community Services Division of Willoughby Council. An Orchestral Manager was appointed and an Advisory Committee was formed to replace the Board of Management.
Willoughby City Council received the inaugural Orchestras of Australia Network award for "Enlightened or exceptional support to an orchestra" for their ongoing and visionary support of the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and Choir.

2002
The Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and Choir made a recording of their live performance of Elgar's "Dream of Gerontius" at the Willoughby Civic Centre.

2003
The Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and Choir's Elgar's "Dream of Gerontius" CD was released.

2005
The Willoughby Choral was established.
The Willoughby Symphony Orchestra won Orchestra Australia's award for Best Community Orchestra.

2006
The Willoughby Symphony Orchestra won Orchestra Australia's award for Best Community Orchestra.

2007
Philip Chu was appointed Choir Master for the Willoughby Symphony Choir.