Meet the Musicians Behind
Great Southern Ensemble
An exceptional collective of wedding musicians, string quartet performers and internationally trained artists creating refined live music across Albany, Denmark and the Great Southern.
Our Story
Orchestral Origins
Great Southern Ensemble began with the Albany String Quartet; a group of classically trained musicians who first met through the Albany Chamber Orchestra in 2001.
Drawn together by a shared love of beautiful repertoire, the quartet began gathering simply for the joy of playing. Evenings were spent rehearsing everything from early Mozart to Shostakovich’s string quartets over glasses of local Pinot and long conversations about music, artistry and life.
What began in living rooms soon grew into performances in churches, concert halls and intimate house concerts across the Great Southern. As the repertoire expanded and demand for performances grew, other exceptional musicians, composers and educators from the region were naturally drawn into the fold — each bringing their own artistry, personality and musical talent to the ensemble.
Before long, couples began inviting the ensemble to perform at weddings and celebrations throughout Albany, Denmark and beyond, drawn to the warmth, emotion and atmosphere only live music can create.
Today, Great Southern Ensemble performs at some of the region’s most beautiful venues, including The Gardens at Bullimah, Pepper & Salt, Forest Hill, Floating Forest, Parry’s Estate, Memories Garden, Heritage Roundhouse, Latitude 35°5, Salt Cove, Esperance Chalet Village and Millbrook House.
And despite performing at elegant celebrations across the region, they still love gathering together for the joy of playing beautiful music and exploring new repertoire like Bridgerton or classical covers of modern pop songs ... often with a glass of local wine.
Meet
The Ensemble
Alma Limondin · Violinist
Originally from France, Alma Limondin is a classically trained violinist whose career has taken her across Europe, Mexico and Australia before eventually finding home in Denmark, Western Australia.
For more than twenty years, Alma has performed with orchestras, chamber ensembles and wedding groups across Perth and the Great Southern; bringing warmth, emotional depth and refined musicality to every performance.
With a love for everything from timeless classical repertoire to elegant modern arrangements, Alma believes live strings have a unique ability to create nostalgia, connection and moments that truly touch the soul.
Outside of music, Alma finds inspiration in surfing, dancing, nature, family life and good chocolate.
Ross Dwyer · Guitarist
A graduate of WAAPA with a background in jazz guitar, Ross Dwyer is one of the Great Southern’s most respected and recognisable musicians. Alongside performing regularly with bands and ensembles across Western Australia, Ross also shares his love of music through teaching in Albany and Denmark schools.
Known for his versatility, warmth and unmistakable good energy, Ross brings an effortless charm to every performance — whether accompanying intimate ceremonies, jazz-filled evenings or vibrant celebrations by the coast. Outside of music, you’ll usually find him chasing waves, sharing a laugh or generously supporting the local music community.
Julie Parish · Cellist
Julie Parish is a founding member of the Albany String Quartet and a long-standing performer within the Great Southern’s classical music community, including the Albany Chamber Orchestra and Albany Symphonia. Alongside performing, Julie is a passionate cello teacher and was the owner of Albany’s beloved Classical Music Shop.
Known for the depth and warm tone she brings to every performance, Julie’s love of music is deeply woven into her everyday life. She lives with her husband Richard on their beautiful winery property in Manypeaks, where they enjoy country life, growing grapes, producing Parish Lane Wines and sharing the beauty of the region they call home.
Helen Grandage · Violist
Helen Grandage is a respected violist and music educator who has spent many years nurturing young musicians across the Great Southern. Alongside teaching violin and viola in Albany schools, she performs regularly with the Albany Chamber Orchestra and Albany Symphonia.
Known for her warmth, quick wit and infectious laughter, Helen brings a wonderful sense of joy to every ensemble she performs with. Alongside her expressive playing and refined musicianship, she has a natural ability to create connection through music, helping every celebration feel welcoming, relaxed and deeply memorable.
Freya Disley · Violinist
Freya Disley is a violinist and music teacher based in Albany, known for her calm presence, expressive playing style and exceptional musical intuition. Originally from Perth, Freya studied violin performance at the University of Western Australia and was selected to perform with the prestigious Australian Youth Orchestra.
Now Concertmaster of the Albany Chamber Orchestra, Albany Symphonia and first violinist for the Albany String Quartet, Freya brings delicate artistry, elegance and beautiful musical sensitivity to every performance. Alongside her love of classical repertoire, she is especially drawn to the fusion of modern and classical music; creating performances that feel both timeless and fresh.
Shamara de Tissera · Harpist
Shamara de Tissera is a harpist, vocalist and music educator whose work beautifully blends artistry, wellbeing and human connection. Holding a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Western Australia, Shamara teaches harp, singing and piano, and has worked across both Steiner and mainstream education settings throughout Western Australia.
Alongside performance, Shamara is deeply respected for her work in therapeutic music and voice, bringing a calm, intuitive presence to every space she plays in. From elegant celebrations to intimate performances, her harp playing creates an atmosphere that feels peaceful, emotional and deeply transporting, shaped by a lifelong love of music, movement and meaningful connection.
Adam Cook · Pianist
Adam Cook is a pianist, composer, arranger and conductor whose career has taken him from the concert halls of Australia to advanced study in France and performances throughout Europe. Trained at both the University of Western Australia and the Australian National University, Adam later completed further studies in piano and composition in Paris, and has received numerous awards and scholarships for his work as a performer and composer.
Now based in Denmark in the Great Southern, Adam performs across classical, jazz and contemporary styles with extraordinary versatility and musical depth. Alongside his work as a performer, conductor and educator, he brings a rare sense of artistry, depth and sophistication to every celebration, creating music that feels timeless, cinematic and deeply alive.
Rhian Thomas · Vocalist
Rhian Thomas is a vocalist, choir director and performer known for her vibrant warmth, soulful voice and deep love of community through music. Originally influenced by the rich choir culture of South Wales and the coastal music communities of Western Australia, Rhian brings a beautiful sense of connection, storytelling and joy to every performance.
Alongside performing with jazz and swing bands across the Great Southern, including G-Train Swing and Ocean Eye Trio, Rhian also directs the much-loved Femmonics Women’s Choir in Denmark, WA. Whether performing intimate jazz sets or leading voices in harmony, Rhian creates music that feels heartfelt, uplifting and deeply human.
“ They had everyone transported back in time, with dancing and smiles all around.
Great Southern Ensemble created a memorable experience with such a vast range and repertoire of music that can be brought to any special event. Such was my surprise 50th birthday celebration, which included music from Titanic and The Last of the Mohicans.
Truly amazing. Thank you.”
-Adlan
Our Process
Effortless Live Music, Thoughtfully Curated
01
You Enquire
Share the details of your wedding or event, your musical tastes and the kind of atmosphere you’d love to create. From elegant classical strings to soulful jazz ensembles, we’ll guide you through the possibilities.
02
We Curate
We thoughtfully curate the perfect ensemble, repertoire and musical flow for your celebration; tailored to your vision, venue and the feeling you want your guests to experience.
03
Relax and enjoy every moment while our musicians bring warmth, professionalism and beautiful live music to your celebration; creating an atmosphere that feels effortless, emotional and unforgettable.
We Perform
Why Choose Great Southern Ensemble?
Create an atmosphere that feels elegant, emotional and unforgettable for both you and your guests
Enjoy a seamless, guided experience with thoughtful support choosing ensembles, repertoire and musical flow
Delight your guests with refined live music performed by some of the Great Southern’s most accomplished musicians
Feel confident knowing every detail is handled with warmth, professionalism and calm attention to detail
Bring exceptional musical taste and timeless live music to your celebration, from romantic classical strings to sophisticated jazz ensembles
WEDDING GUIDE DOWNLOAD
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WEDDING GUIDE DOWNLOAD 𝄞
Bring World-Class Live Music to Your Celebration
Download our Wedding & Pricing Guide for curated ceremony and wedding music collections, ensemble inspiration and thoughtful guidance for creating a celebration that feels timeless, emotional and deeply personal.