WASO Chorus
Formed in 1988, the WASO Chorus is an auditioned ensemble of volunteer choristers and one of Western Australia’s leading community music groups. Directed by Hugh Lydon, the Chorus performs regularly with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and also presents solo concerts, tours and community engagement activities.
Renowned for its artistic excellence and diverse repertoire, the Chorus has performed with distinguished conductors and soloists including Asher Fisch, Simone Young, Otto Tausk, Stephen Layton and Umberto Clerici.
Mainstage highlights include the world premiere of Paul Stanhope’s Mahāsāgar, commissioned by members of the WASO Chorus, and WASO’s production of Mahler’s Symphony No. 8, performed in collaboration with the WA Opera Chorus, the UWA Symphonic Chorus, Voyces and Aquinas College’s Schola Cantorum. The Chorus also travelled to Hobart to perform Brahms’ German Requiem with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO), the TSO Chorus, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs and community singers under the direction of Simon Halsey.
The WASO Chorus has featured in WASO’s operas in concert, including Der Fliegende Holländer, Die Fledermaus, and Tristan und Isolde, all conducted by WASO’s Principal Conductor Asher Fisch.
If you are interested in joining the WASO Chorus please send us an email using the link below.
FAQs
The WASO Chorus rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7.00pm to 9.30pm, with additional rehearsals scheduled in the lead-up to performances. Members receive detailed rehearsal schedules ahead of each project. While Perth Concert Hall is closed for redevelopment, rehearsals are typically held at the University of Western Australia Conservatorium of Music.
Choristers are required to attend at least 80% of rehearsals for each project they commit to in order to perform. Participation in every Chorus project is not required to maintain membership, and invitations to projects may vary depending on voice type and ensemble requirements.
While there are no formal prerequisites to join the WASO Chorus, all members must audition. As rehearsals focus on ensemble preparation rather than note-learning, choristers should be able to learn music independently. Choral experience, music-reading skills, and familiarity with singing in Latin, German, French and Italian are highly desirable.
If you are interested in auditioning for the WASO Chorus, please email Chorus Administrator Kristen Sibley.
There are no fees to join the WASO Chorus. Participation is voluntary, with members responsible for personal costs such as performance attire and travel.