ReadMusic in Motion: WASO on Tour
—21 Jan, 2026
Dances, Devils & Drama
—16 Oct, 2026
Forget everything you think you know about classical music. This is Baroque at its most daring, dazzling and deliciously dramatic.
What do you get when you mix a violin sonata inspired by the devil, music fit for a royal court, and one of Perth’s most spectacular theatre interiors? A night of Baroque brilliance that’s anything but ordinary!
On 29 and 30 October, WASO brings Art of the Baroque to His Majesty’s Theatre, inviting you into a world of musical mischief, extravagant dances, and extraordinary virtuosity. Led by violinist and director Satu Vänskä, this is an opportunity to experience music written centuries ago that still knows how to make an impression.
And trust us: there’s plenty to discover.
The devil has some seriously good music
Let’s start with one of the concert’s most intriguing works: Giuseppe Tartini’s Devil’s Trill Sonata.
Legend has it that Tartini dreamed the devil played an astonishing violin sonata for him, inspiring him to compose the piece himself when he awoke. Whether or not the story is true, the result is a work of extraordinary intensity, packed with dazzling violin flourishes and a sense of supernatural drama.
It’s the kind of musical backstory that makes you listen a little differently. Can you hear the mischief? The tension? The almost impossible virtuosity?
You’ll have to decide for yourself.
Satu Vänskä leads WASO for 'Satu Vänskä's Mozart', 2025.
Baroque music wasn’t all powdered wigs and polite manners
The Baroque era might bring to mind grand palaces, elaborate costumes, and powdered wigs, but its music was anything but one-note.
Antonio Vivaldi’s music crackles with energy, Johann Sebastian Bach’s intricate compositions reveal new details with every listen, and Carlo Gesualdo’s expressive harmonies can sound startlingly modern, even to our ears today.
In Art of the Baroque, these contrasting musical worlds sit side by side. One moment, you’re swept into the elegance of a violin concerto; the next, you’re immersed in music of extraordinary emotional depth.
Then there’s Jean-Philippe Rameau, whose music for the French stage brings a whole new level of theatrical flair. Satu Vänskä has curated a selection of dances, airs, and excerpts from his operas, promising a finale full of colour and movement.
Think of it as a playlist from another era – only performed in-person, with all the richness and immediacy that live music brings.
A night at the theatre, in every sense
With its ornate interiors and old-world grandeur, His Majesty’s Theatre is a natural home for music born in an age of spectacle. The surroundings add to the experience, transporting you into a world where art, architecture, and performance were all part of the same lavish affair.
The chamber-scale Baroque setting presents a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the detail: the interplay between instruments, the turns of a melody, the sudden shifts in mood, and the virtuosity of the musicians.
It’s an experience that rewards both seasoned concertgoers and anyone curious about discovering classical music in a new way.
Your next night out, sorted
Whether you’re a lifelong Bach enthusiast, a fan of a good dramatic story, or simply looking for something a little different to do in Perth, Art of the Baroque offers a fresh perspective on music that has stood the test of time.
Come for the devilish violin solo. Stay for the French dances, the musical fireworks, and the chance to experience WASO in one of the city’s most beautiful historic venues.
Art of the Baroque
Thursday 29 and Friday 30 October 2026, 7.30pm
His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth
WASO Serenades the City with the support of City of Perth.
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