West Australian Symphony Orchestra

From classical masterpieces to modern hits, the piano is one of the most versatile instruments in music.

In celebration of National Piano Month this September, we’ve curated a playlist of our favourite piano pieces, including Mozart’s Elvira Madigan, which you can hear live in Mozart’s Odyssey!

Read the full article on our new Sounds & Stories.
https://www.waso.com.au/sounds-stories/wasos-piano-favourites

You may be wondering why there's a lion on the stage, but that's just a sneak peek of the excitement in store for the Classic Adventures: Wild Animals show tomorrow.

This performance is perfect for families with kids aged 5-11 and for anyone with a youthful spirit. Don't miss out – book your last-minute tickets now for an AMAZING time!

https://www.waso.com.au/concerts-tickets/whats-on/concert/wild-animals

First look at the new designs for our home at Perth Concert Hall! The $150.3 million redevelopment is set to begin in early 2025, restoring Perth Concert Hall's architectural legacy, preserving its renowned acoustics, enhancing venue accessibility, and providing a permanent home for WASO musicians and staff.

A big thank you to David Templeman MLA, Roger Cook, and the team at Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries for your leadership on this project, with support from Jenny McAllister, Patrick Gorman MP, Australian Government and City of Perth .

While the venue is closed for redevelopment, WASO will present an exciting season in a range of iconic venues across Perth, and continue our extensive community engagement activities in outer-metropolitan and regional areas.

Full details of WASO’s 2025 Season will be announced, and subscriptions released for sale, on Thursday 28 November.

https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook-Labor-Government/Joint-media-statement---Redevelopment-to-allow-iconic-Perth-Concert-Hall-to-shine-20240925

Over 3 days, WASO's small ensembles brought joy to 21 aged care homes across Perth, and the impact was truly heartwarming!

A total of 924 seniors and aged care workers enjoyed a blend of classical and modern pieces and engaged with the interactive segments. In one home, the music even moved a gentleman to tears, reminding us once again why we are passionate about bringing our music to communities.

Calling all explorers and animal enthusiasts—get ready to roar with your State Orchestra as we journey through the jungle, savannah, treetops, and ocean, bringing you the sounds of the animal kingdom.

Enjoy fun activities like colouring, mask-making, origami, and exploring the animal world with the WA Museum Boola Bardip Touch Table.

It’s a day of discovery at Perth Concert Hall, presented in association with AWESOME Arts!

Classic Adventures: Wild Animals
Saturday 28 September, 10&11.30am,
Perth Concert Hall

https://www.waso.com.au/concerts-tickets/whats-on/concert/wild-animals

“Fisch and a superbly on-form WASO unfurled the second part’s orchestral prelude with meticulous pacing and detailing, and as choir and soloists gradually reclaimed their prominence amongst the score’s texture they so brilliantly laid the groundwork for the redemptive appearance of the Eternal Feminine, the sonorous chorale and brilliant climax such that when they did arrive it one immediately thought, “So, this is heaven.””

Thank you Limelight for this amazing review. We are still buzzing!

★★★★½ Mahler 8 (West Australian Symphony Orchestra) Read the Limelight review

Years spent dreaming. Months devoted to making. Over 350 on stage and a village off stage. This is Mahler 8.

Congratulations to everyone who made this possible and thank you to our wonderful audience for attending the WA premiere of this monumental work.

Say hello to our new tutti double bassist, Giovanni Vinci!

The double bass is the orchestra’s heartbeat, a towering giant with deep, resonant tones that ground the music. We caught up with Giovanni to learn more about the musical journey that led him to WASO.

Read the full interview here:
https://www.waso.com.au/sounds-stories/meet-the-musician-giovanni-vinci

Don’t be deceived by the still images— pianist Lukáš Vondráček's performance over the past two nights was a whirlwind of speed, virtuosity, and sheer brilliance!

We performed Liszt’s Les Préludes, his Piano Concerto No. 1, and Elgar’s Symphony No. 2 under the baton of Asher Fisch. Thank you to everyone who joined us! What was your favourite piece?

Due to popular demand, we’ve added a third and final show to The Cat Empire and WASO!

After two sold-out shows, this is your last chance to book your seats. Don't miss!
https://www.waso.com.au/concerts-tickets/whats-on/concert/cat-empire

Did you know that the music scores for Mahler's Symphony No. 8, including orchestral parts and 280 choral scores, weigh a staggering 120 kg?

This epic work demands a massive ensemble and as we approach this historic event, We want to share the incredible effort and passion behind preparing such a monumental performance.

Visit our latest Sounds & Stories article for all the behind-the-scenes details.
https://www.waso.com.au/sounds-stories/making-history-with-mahler-8

This Father's Day, we celebrate the symphony of love that fills our hearts, composed not just by dads but all those who guide, nurture, and inspire us.

Happy Father's Day from WASO!

Thank you, Albany! We had an incredible time bringing you our music and performing at Albany Entertainment Centre.

Under the baton of Asher Fisch, we performed Claude Debussy’s Prélude à ‘L’après-midi d’un faune’, César Franck’s Symphony in D minor, and Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto with Riley Skevington on violin.

We can't wait to return!

The chosen aspiring conductors of The Australian Conducting Academy, Ingrid Martin, Sam Weller, Nathaniel Griffiths and Leonard Weiss are back in Perth for masterclasses with Our Principal Conductor Asher Fisch today.

Initiated by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, the program presents a unique opportunity to learn from experienced orchestral leaders and to have the chance to work with all major orchestras in Australia.

Over the weekend, our Orchestra delivered two performances featuring Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune, Barber’s Violin Concerto with the brilliant Karen Gomyo, and César Franck’s powerful Symphony in D minor under the baton of Asher Fisch.

Now, we are gearing up for our regional tour, bringing the same repertoire to Albany Entertainment Centre this weekend with Riley Skevington on violin. Tickets are available on our website!

https://www.waso.com.au/concerts-tickets/whats-on/concert/forgotten-symphony-albany

Last night at the UWA Conservatorium of Music, we enjoyed a fascinating interview with Karen Gomyo, hosted by Ashley Smith.

Aspiring students, violinists, and music lovers were captivated by Karen's stories about her time at Juilliard, the teachers who inspired her, her connection to the Barber concerto, and the hard work behind mastering her repertoire and touring.

You can watch Karen performing Barber's violin concerto this weekend, tickets are still available on our website!

https://www.waso.com.au/concerts-tickets/whats-on/concert/forgotten-symphony

Join us as we congratulate and thank our amazing Chorus Director, Andrew Foote, who will be stepping down this October after eleven remarkable years with WASO.

One of Australia’s most experienced singers and vocal coaches, Andrew has left a lasting legacy through unforgettable performances. As he prepares to hand over the baton to his successor, Hugh Lydon, Andrew reflects on the privilege of leading our Chorus.

Don’t miss his final concert with WASO, Mozart’s Masterworks, on October 11 and 12.
https://www.waso.com.au/sounds-stories/waso-farewells-andrew-foote

WASO's Crescendo students from Medina Primary School and North Parmelia Primary School came together for their first Combined Schools Concert at Koorliny Arts Centre Kwinana.

For many, it was their first time performing in front of an audience, making the event even more special. Families, local seniors, and WASO Giving Circle members shared the magic of this milestone moment. Through Crescendo, WA’s only program of its kind, these young musicians receive free, weekly music lessons, and their hard work and passion shine brightly on stage.

https://www.waso.com.au/sounds-stories/crescendo-students-light-up-the-stage-in-kwinana

This Thursday, in collaboration with our Tertiary Education Partner The University of Western Australia, we will sit down with our soloist, Karen Gomyo to discuss her career, her musical journey and the upcoming concerts with WASO at Callaway Auditorium - UWA Conservatorium of Music.

This fantastic event is FREE but the bookings are essential.

To learn more or RSVP visit: https://www.uwa.edu.au/schools/music/conservatorium-of-music-events/waso-in-conversation-with-karen-gomyo

When we’re not performing on the mainstage, we bring the joy of music to our community and schools! In October, our Education Chamber Orchestra, with presenter Lee Stanley, will be bringing, The Musical Tale of Echo the Gecko, an interactive orchestral experience to schools in the metro area.

Suitable for Kindergarten to Year 6, it is the perfect introduction to orchestral music. Bookings are now open!

https://www.waso.com.au/education-community/schools/the-musical-tale-of-echo-the-gecko/

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Emeritus Musician John Dean, a beloved colleague and valued member of our Orchestra for 33 years.

John joined WASO as a violinist and went on to become the longest-serving Principal Viola, holding the position from 1970 to 1989. He is fondly remembered as a true gentleman with a great sense of humour, and his legacy continues through his daughter Amanda, a casual percussionist with WASO since the 1980s.

Photo: John Dean in front right in 1967 at Studio 620.

https://www.waso.com.au/sounds-stories/vale-john-dean

Join us as we welcome our new Principal Piccolo, Sonia Croucher!

Playing the smallest yet highest-pitched instrument in a symphony orchestra, Sonia creates some of the most beautiful sounds, ranging from delicate bird calls to tones representing tension and excitement.

We caught up with Sonia to delve into the musical journey that led her to WASO. Sonia is also very active on social media (Princess Piccolo), so make sure you follow her for some fantastic behind-the-scenes!

https://www.waso.com.au/sounds-stories/meet-the-musician-sonia-croucher

Ease into your Sunday morning with the majestic sounds of Beethoven's Eroica Symphony. Recorded live at the Perth Concert Hall on July 6th, 2024, by ABC Classic , this performance is now available to stream.

Conducted by Asher Fisch, with Francesca D**o on violin, our concert also features Beethoven's Coriolan Overture and Shostakovich's Violin Concerto No. 1.

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/lunchtime-concert/waso-eroica/104106772