Both are pillars of the ASO: Steve has spent 34 years in the percussion section, while Julie will celebrate 50 years in 2026 as the orchestra’s longest-serving member. Their stories reveal not only a personal devotion to music but also the shared passion and camaraderie that have sustained the ASO across generations.
Steve Peterka
Section Principal Percussion
After 34 years with the ASO, what has been the most rewarding part of your journey?
Steve: If it had to be just one thing, it would be the experience of sharing amazing music with both the listener and my colleagues. A very appreciative comment from an audience member after a concert or an inspiring passage from a colleague always feels special.
Percussion often drives the energy of an orchestra. How do you approach playing pieces with both precision and passion?
Steve: It can be a tricky thing to navigate. You need to consider and decide how your instrument and part at that moment fits into the music overall. Sometimes you really need to show restraint as it’s easy to get carried away with a juicy part, as many of our percussion instruments can be the loudest thing on stage. Fortunately, the conductor will always let you know if you do!
Which upcoming performances are you most excited about?
Steve: There’s a lot to look forward to. The 90th birthday celebration featuring Sir Bryn Terfel, The Planets and Star Wars should be fantastic. The film scores like Harry Potter and How To Train Your Dragon are always very challenging and rewarding for a percussionist to play.
What’s it like experiencing the ASO live with a full house?
Steve: Even after 34 years the impact of standing in the middle of an orchestra never ceases to amaze me. There’s always a completely different energy at a concert compared to a rehearsal, it’s impossible not to get caught up in it and put everything into the performance.
Julie Newman
Violinist
Celebrating 50 years with the ASO is an incredible milestone. What has kept you inspired through it all?
Julie: Playing with the ASO over nearly five decades has given me a deep sense of satisfaction and joy. Having the privilege of being in sync with a body of people making music is wonderful. Music is my life, and even after all these years there is still much more to learn, discover and play.
The ASO has been part of South Australia’s cultural identity for 90 years. How does it feel to contribute to that legacy?
Julie: I’m honoured to have given to the community for more than half of its existence. To be celebrating 50 years as the orchestra marks 90 is truly special.
What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming season?
Julie: I’m excited to perform new works and welcome guest soloists to South Australia. The 90th anniversary concert, The Planets featuring Sir Bryn Terfel, will be a memorable celebration to remember for years to come.
How do you balance performing timeless classics with new compositions?
Julie: It’s an exciting balance. We’ll continue presenting the complete symphonies of Jean Sibelius while also performing new works by contemporary composers like Holly Harrison and Joe Chindamo. There’s room to be innovative and experiment with ideas that can mean using the violin in less traditional ways.
What personal touch do you bring to your performances?
Julie: Musical intent, commitment, and producing my best playing each week. I draw on my experience and commitment to my craft to bring each performance to life.
Discover what’s on the ASO’s 2026 program: aso.com.au
