Music for young and old

WASO’s flagship artist development program, Composition Project, saw emerging composers premiere four new works for 14-piece chamber ensemble. Celebrated Australian composer and Artistic Director of the program James Ledger presented the concert that was a cumulation of months of workshops and score refinement.

This year’s winner was Victor Arul with his piece Elective Affinities. Victor will now have the opportunity to compose a piece of music for WASO’s 2023 education concert. We’re excited to see what Victor’s future in the music world holds, with his recent acceptance into Harvard University to study a PhD in composition. You can read our full Q&A with Victor here.

Education Artist in Residence Paul Rissmann took students and families on a magical adventure through the pages of Angela McAllister’s book Leon & The Place Between for two mainstage performances. This interactive concert introduced audiences to the sections of the orchestra, wowing them with lightning-fast performances of Flight of The Bumblebee. Families also had the opportunity to step-right-up to the concert with a carnival-like atmosphere including fortune teller experiences, fairy bread, face painting and bubbles throughout the foyers of Perth Concert Hall.

Community musicians from across Perth and regional WA sat side-by-side with WASO musicians to perform a larger-than-life symphony performance for The Rusty Orchestra. Conducted by Peter Moore OAM, the audience were delighted to experience an evening of ambitious repertoire so skilfully performed. “Sitting on stage surrounded by WASO clarinet, oboe and flute players was amazing. Playing with the WASO professional musicians was a bucket list experience. Magical. I will never forget it!” - Rusty participant.

Out in our community, our small ensembles visited schools and aged care residences, performing intimate chamber concerts for students and seniors.

As a part of our Harmony Music program, WASO visited Education Support Centres at Aveley and Armadale Senior High Schools. The musicians performed a program of inspiring repertoire accompanying the words of Noongar author Theresa Walley’s book, Yok Waarkal Wer Yondok (Rainbow Serpent and Crocodile), a story about the creation of the rivers, lakes and waterholes of Whadjuk country.

Our Music For The Ages program saw WASO musicians bring chamber music to 138 seniors in High Wycombe and Helena Valley. The quartet took audiences on a nostalgic journey through opera, ragtime and classical favourites, with commentary from violinist Jane Serrangeli on the background and history of the works.

It was a busy month for our musicians, and we’re glad to have been able to showcase so many of our fantastic community and education programs to our audiences.

Learn more about WASO’s Education & Community programs here.

Composition Project is supported by the Bendat Family Foundation.