Masters Series

CHEVRON AUSTRALIA MASTERS SERIES

An eight concert series featuring an inspiring array of outstanding soloists in a showcase of powerful works. 

Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto

Alexander Lazarev returns to lead an electrifying concert featuring two Russian masterpieces. Winner of the 2009 London Piano Competition, Behzod Abduraimov will perform the much-loved Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto in a display of virtuosity and passion. We end this Russian journey with Prokofiev’s colourful Fifth Symphony.

Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto

Outstanding Dutch violinist Simone Lamsma performs one of the best-loved violin concertos of all time, packed with sumptuous orchestral accompaniment and luscious melodies. Scriabin’s Second Symphony will provide a triumphant finale to this exciting concert.

Stravinsky & Sibelius

Stravinsky’s peasant wedding feast set the world ablaze at its premiere. Four talented Australian soloists and a mammoth orchestra and chorus reignite this fiery work. It is framed by music of eternal grandeur and joy in two of Sibelius’ most popular orchestral works.

Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninov

Vladimir Verbitsky conducted the Australian premiere in 1985 and more than 25 years on, we bring Rachmaninov’s First Symphony to life again, with all of its struggles, darkness, menace and drama. Weber’s works influenced many of his successors, not least of all Hindemith, who breathes new energy and passion into lush and glorious music.

Brahms’ German Requiem

It is a treat for Orchestra and audience alike when Simone Young is in town, and this concert marks her tenth season with WASO. Wolfgang Rihm’s set of interludes, together with Brahms’ powerful requiem, weaves an exquisite musical tapestry of orchestral and choral music.

Mozart & Mahler

Conductor Herbert von Karajanonce said, ‘A great performance of the Fifth is a transforming experience’, and led by our Principal Conductor, this concert will be no exception. We are delighted to welcome Concertmaster, Giulio Plotino and Principal Viola, Giovanni Pasini to centre stage for Mozart’s beautiful Sinfonia Concertante.

LA Guitar Quartet Plays Rodrigo

Grammy Award-winning LA Guitar Quartet joins forces with Michael Stern to present this thrilling concert. The LA Guitar Quartet is hailed for its diversity, and in this program they perform a work rich in colour and uniquely Spanish flavours. We end with the exotic suite from Stravinsky’s ballet about a fiery bird and a wicked sorcerer.

Rachmaninov & The Ring

Garrick Ohlsson returns to WASO in an exhilarating concert to close our Masters Series. Rachmaninov’s Third Piano Concerto is one of the most challenging in the repertoire and was featured in the film Shine. Following this WASO’s Wagner tubas will be out in force for this exciting collection of music from the Ring Cycle.