Side by Side Collaborations
Side by Side Symphony
Experienced musicians aged 25+ years from across Western Australia perform alongside WASO musicians to create the Side-by-Side Symphony.
In September 2026 community musicians have the extraordinary opportunity to perform side-by-side with West Australian Symphony Orchestra musicians. Rehearsing together across two consecutive days before presenting a performance of classical repertoire to the general public at Winthrop Hall, this wonderful concert experience is like none other offered to community instrumentalists in Australia.
The 2026 program:
Friday 11 September
Venue: Winthrop Hall, UWA
Full Orchestra Rehearsal: 3.30pm–6pm & 7pm–9.30pm
Saturday 12 September
Venue: Winthrop Hall, UWA
Final Rehearsal: 11am–1.30pm
Performance: 6pm–7pm
Jessica WELLS Emu in the Sky
Modest MUSSORGSKY arr. Rimsky-Korsakov Night on Bald Mountain
James LEDGER Indian Pacific
Paul DUKAS Sorcerer's Apprentice
John WILLIAMS Selections from Jurassic Park
Sara Duhig conductor
Side by Side with ANAM
Our partnership with the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) provides opportunities for Australia’s most promising emerging musicians to perform alongside WASO in large-scale orchestral programs. Past collaborations have included Mahler’s Symphony No.8 (2024), Wagner’s Die Walküre (2023), Britten’s War Requiem (2022), and Holst’s The Planets (2021).
Side by Side with WAYO
The Western Australian Youth Orchestras (WAYO) and WASO partnership, supported by Woodside, provides emerging young musicians with invaluable mentorship opportunities from professional WASO performers. Throughout the year, WASO musicians work closely with each WAYO ensemble, delivering workshops and expert guidance as WAYO musicians develop their skills and prepare for their seasonal performances.
Side by Side with UWA
WASO and UWA share a long, and significant relationship that brings together the highest quality music education with our musicians. Through creative workshops, side-by-side performances, seminars, masterclasses and open rehearsals, opportunities are created for students to be mentored by WASO musicians, providing a bridge for students to experience and prepare for careers as professional musicians.