WASO Announces Full Regional Touring Program for 2025

The West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) is set to bring world-renowned international artists and talented homegrown musicians to four towns across regional WA this August and October.

The State Orchestra has unveiled their full regional touring plans for 2025, following successful performances of The Lark Ascending and Mozart’s Masterpieces in Bunbury and Mandurah in February.

“As the State Orchestra, it’s a privilege to share the transformative power of live orchestral music with communities across Western Australia. These tours create meaningful connections with people of all ages, spark inspiration in young musicians, and offer unforgettable musical experiences both on the mainstage and in the community.” Evan Kennea, Director of Programming and Engagement, WASO.

WASO will entertain audiences at the Goldfields Arts Centre, Kalgoorlie (August 22) and the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre (August 24) when Principal Conductor and Artistic Adviser, Asher Fisch, leads Passion and Power, a triple bill of powerfully expressive works.

The rousing program will feature acclaimed Dutch violinist Simone Lamsma. Known worldwide for her polished and intense playing, Lamsma returns to WASO with Bruch’s ever-popular First Violin Concerto. With its soaring melodies and devilishly difficult virtuoso passages, this will be a chance for regional audiences to experience a truly epic performance worthy of any international stage. Bookending the program are Macbeth – Strauss’ early tone poem that brings to life the ruthless fury of Shakespeare’s iconic tyrant – and Schumann’s grand Symphony No.4.

“Access to orchestral performances of this calibre enriches the cultural fabric of the region,” said Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre (BREC) Executive Director, Fiona de Garis. “WASO’s return to BREC […] will provide our patrons with another unforgettable shared experience of the passion and power of Romantic classical music.”

The Orchestra caps off their touring season with an October Brass & Beats tour – a richly varied and exciting program of music for brass and percussion, including tangos and jazz plus selections from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet and John Williams’ Star Wars. Audiences in York (October 29) and Bunbury (October 31 and November 1) will get to experience the full force of WASO’s brass and percussion musicians up close.

The Orchestra’s touring activities will also include free daytime performances and workshops for schools, community centres and local music groups from a variety of WASO ensembles. Ahead of the Passion and Power performance at the Goldfield Arts Centre, a group of WASO musicians will visit local schools and aged care facilities in Kalgoorlie, providing inspiring free music experiences for locals. The Brass & Beats musicians will also visit schools and community venues for engagement activities in Toodyay, Northam, York and Bunbury.

WASO’s regional touring program underscores the organisation’s strong commitment to bringing world-class orchestral music to communities across Western Australia, ensuring audiences beyond the metropolitan area can experience the power and joy of live performance.

Passion and Power 
Kalgoorlie | Goldfields Arts Centre | Fri 22 August, 7.30pm
Bunbury | Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre | Sun 24 August, 5pm

Brass & Beats
York | York Town Hall | Wed 29 October, 7pm
Bunbury | The Cube, Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre | Fri 31 October, 7pm & Sat 1 November, 2pm

Asher Fisch appears courtesy of Wesfarmers Arts. WASO's Regional Tour is supported by MM Electrical Merchandising and the Western Australian Government. The Bunbury performance of Passion and Power is presented by Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre.