Reconciliation

West Australian Symphony Orchestra respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and Elders of Country throughout Western Australia, and the Whadjuk Noongar people on whose lands we work and share music. We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples and recognise their continuing cultures and connections to lands, waters and communities.

Every year, in the centre of Boorloo (Perth) and across WA, from Kwinana to Karijini, we are privileged to share music on Country with exceptional First Nations artists and Elders.

WASO made an organisation-wide commitment to advance reconciliation with our inaugural ‘Reflect’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. While we have for decades worked in collaboration with local Noongar and First Nations artists to present music and stories on the mainstage, the RAP program allows us to connect more deeply; engaging our workplace structure and harnessing the power of individuals working together to create an impact bigger than any one story or concert.

In 2022 we welcomed Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO (Yorta Yorta) to WASO, as well as soloists Linda Barcan and Don Bemrose (Gungarri), the Dhungala Children’s Choir, Penrhos College Chorus and WASO Chorus to perform Eumeralla, a war requiem for peace. In 2023, William Barton shared the beauty and majesty of the world’s oldest living culture in Apii Thatini Mu Murtu (to sing and carry a coolamon on country together).

In 2024, Noongar musician Aaron Wyatt conducted his own piece The Coming Dawn, a moving celebration of Country reflecting the starkness and beauty of the Australian landscape.

Increasing our understanding of cultures and histories, stories and songs is fundamental to building respectful relationships with those in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It is through these relationships based on listening, learning and collaborating that we can offer music that truly reflects our shared history and promotes healing.

View our RAP