WASO 2027: Joy Lives Here

Discover a season filled with connection, wonder and the joy of live orchestral music.

There’s something special about experiencing music together – the anticipation as the lights go down, the first note filling the room, and the shared feeling that comes when an orchestra and audience connect.

In 2027, that feeling is at the heart of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra's new season: Joy Lives Here.

From much-loved masterpieces and bold new Australian works to international artists, special events and performances across Western Australia, the 2027 season is an invitation to experience the joy, wonder, and connection of live music.

Principal Conductor and Artistic Adviser Asher Fisch leads WASO through some of the great works of the symphonic repertoire, including Beethoven’s monumental Ninth Symphony, Bruckner’s Fifth, Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, and a program of music by Wagner and Strauss.

The season opens with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, featuring the WASO Chorus and an outstanding cast of vocal soloists. Across the year, audiences can also experience Brahms’ Second Symphony, Stravinsky’s Petrushka, Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra, Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1, Boléro and more.

Joining WASO throughout the season is an exciting line-up of returning artists and WASO debuts from Australia and around the world, including Ukrainian conductor Kirill Karabits, pianist Vadym Kholodenko, Italian-Turkish conductor Nil Venditti, Korean pianist Joyce Yang, French conductor Chloé van Soeterstède, violinist Simone Lamsma, pianists Alexander Gavrylyuk and Vadym Kholodenko, and cellist Li-Wei Qin.

And there will be plenty of opportunities to see WASO’s own musicians take centre stage, including Concertmaster Laurence Jackson, Principal Oboe Liz Chee, the Orchestra’s percussion section, and members of the WASO Chorus.

A big part of the joy of a new season is discovering something you’ve never heard before. In 2027, WASO continues its commitment to Australian composers with a significant program of new works and world premieres.

Highlights include Carl Vine’s Piano Concerto No.3, performed by Vadym Kholodenko; Richard Mills' Percussion Symphony, showcasing WASO’s own percussionists; a new work by Elizabeth Younan; James Ledger’s Cello Concerto, performed by Li-Wei Qin; and Lachlan Skipworth’s Oboe Concerto, performed by Liz Chee.

The WASO Composition Project also returns, with previous winners Darcy Lewis and Amy Skellern each receiving world premieres of new works at concerts in 2027.

Alongside these commissions, audiences will hear music performed by WASO for the first time, including works by Camille Pépin, Anna Clyne, Theodore Akimenko, Louise Farrenc, and Ethel Smyth.

WASO’s 2027 season brings together four core classical series – MACA Symphonic, Matinee Symphony, Baroque and Chamber – alongside a diverse program of special events.

The Baroque Series returns to the grandeur of His Majesty’s Theatre, with Shaun Lee-Chen directing programs featuring Handel, Bach, Vivaldi and other Baroque masters. Meanwhile, the Chamber Series returns to Government House Ballroom, where WASO musicians will present intimate programs exploring music from Brahms, Wagner, Shostakovich, Kodály, Janáček, Dvořák, Bacewicz, Stravinsky and Piazzolla.

And the Orchestra will once again step beyond the traditional concert hall. At Perth Festival, Warangka (Sing) brings Gina Williams-Ghouse AM and WASO together for lush new arrangements of beloved songs by Gina and her late husband Guy Ghouse AM.

Other highlights include Heroes and Hallucinations, featuring contemporary works by Lisa Illean, Nuno Lobo, Amy Skellern and Thomas Adès; WASO Chorus Sings: Sacrée at St Mary’s Cathedral; and the family favourite Peter and the Wolf.

For film music fans, Art of the Score explores Howard Shore’s acclaimed scores for The Lord of the Rings, with commentary and live musical demonstrations. And in a celebration of 50 years of Star Wars: A New Hope, WASO will perform John Williams’ Oscar-winning score live to the complete film, conducted by Jessica Gethin.

As the State Orchestra, WASO’s season reaches far beyond Perth.

Regional performances begin in March with Sounds of Splendour at Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, led by Shaun Lee-Chen. In August, Asher Fisch leads WASO in Mandurah and Albany, joined by acclaimed violinist Francesca Dego. The Orchestra returns to Bunbury in October with Chloé van Soeterstède and Simone Lamsma.

And the music doesn’t stop when the concert ends. Throughout the year, WASO ensembles will continue bringing music into schools and communities through workshops, school visits and outreach activities across Western Australia.

Through programs including Crescendo, WASO in Schools, Connect, Harmony Music, Side-by-Side Symphony and Music for the Ages, WASO creates opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience, learn and participate in music.

From the centre of Perth to the furthest corners of the state, WASO has been part of life in WA since 1928. In 2027, we invite you to join us for another year of unforgettable music, new discoveries and shared experiences.

Joy lives here.

WASO 2027 Season Packages are on sale from Wednesday 30 September 2026.

Browse the full 2027 season here.