National recognition continues for WASO

Presented each year by APRA AMCOS and the Australian Music Centre, the Art Music Awards recognise achievement in the composition, performance education and presentation of Australian art music.

WASO’s Crescendo program received the award for Excellence in Music Education, while Carl Vine’s composition  Implacable Gifts (Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra) which was commissioned and premiered by WASO, won Orchestral Work of the Year. 

“Its an honour to be recognised nationally in these awards for the two major pillars that contribute to our mission – artistic excellence and community engagement.” – Mark Coughlan, Chief Executive Officer, West Australian Symphony Orchestra.

Created by WASO in 2014, inspired by the Venezuelan El Sistema, Crescendo now reaches more than 400 students in Kwinana. WASO is the only major performing arts company in the state working with Principals and school communities to deliver free, ongoing and regular music education programs in schools. The program currently provides weekly classroom music lessons to all students from Pre-Primary to Year Five at two Kwinana Primary Schools – Medina and North Parmelia.

By 2020 WASO aims to provide music lessons to every student in every year level at these two schools and to work with the Kwinana community to provide them with opportunities to develop confidence, resilience, emotional and social wellbeing. Staff and parents from both schools have reported on improved concentration, self-confidence, behaviour and enthusiasm for learning.

Inspired by a surrealist vision by Australian painter James Gleeson of a cruel sea disgorging random elements on its shore, West Australian composer Carl Vine’s Piano Concerto Implacable Gifts was commissioned by Geoff Stearn for WASO and co-commissioned by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra

Receiving its world premiere performance at Perth Concert Hall on May 10 and 11, 2018, the concert featured internationally acclaimed pianists, Piers Lane and Kathryn Stott, and was conducted by Rory MacDonald. The work was performed again with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra at Federation Concert Hall, Hobart on May 19, 2018.

“The final movement was a rhythmically driven rollercoaster ride to a triumphant brassy finale. This is a work chock-full of colour and climax, and confirms (despite the assault of implacable musical ideas) Vine’s unerring ear for beauty.” – Limelight Magazine

Crescendo is delivered by WASO’s award winning Education and Community Engagement program and promotes a lifelong journey with WASO and the joy of music!

Visit our website for more information on this project https://www.waso.com.au/education-community/community-outreach/crescendo/

Crescendo is supported by: Crown Resorts Foundation, Packer Family Foundation, Feilman Foundation, Tianqi Lithium Australia, The Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, Government of Western Australia, Department of Education - Instrumental Music School Services, Bunning Family, Crescendo Giving Circle.