WASO 2026 Unveiled

From grand orchestral blockbusters to intimate chamber moments, our expanded concert series and creative collaborations invite you to explore the stories, emotions, and sheer power that make great music unforgettable.

In his thirteenth year as WASO’s Principal Conductor, Asher Fisch leads a series of major concerts that showcase both mastery and imagination. Audiences can look forward to Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman, Mahler’s Symphony No.9, and Beethoven’s Symphony No.7, alongside vibrant new works and premieres.

He will be joined by a distinguished line-up of international conductors making their WASO debuts, including Riccardo Minasi, Anja Bihlmaier, Kristian Sallinen, Chad Kelly, and Hugh Lydon. Familiar faces Lawrence Renes, Otto Tausk, Benjamin Northey, Jen Winley, Nicholas Buc, and Jessica Gethin are stepping back onto the podium, and violinist/directors Shaun Lee-Chen and Satu Vänskä leading Baroque performances.

WASO’s own talent shines bright this season, with Concertmaster Laurence Jackson and Principal Trumpet Jenna Smith featured as soloists. They join an impressive list of guest artists, including violinists Sergej Krylov, Benjamin Beilman, Shaun Lee-Chen, and Satu Vänskä; cellist Ivan Karizna; pianists Tamara-Anna Cislowska, Konstantin Shamray, Andrea Lam, and Aura Go; clarinettist Ashley Smith; and accordionist James Crabb.

The season also welcomes international vocalists Christopher Maltman and David Leigh, alongside leading Australian singers Samantha Clarke, Ashlyn Tymms, Alasdair Kent, James Clayton, Anna-Louise Cole, Paul O’Neill, Andrew Goodwin, Prudence Saunders, Ruth Burke, Jessica Aszodi, Amy Manford, Josh Piterman, and Matthew Reardon.

WASO’s 2026 program features five distinctive classical series each offering audiences a unique way to experience orchestral music:

MACA Symphonic Series: The flagship series in the grandeur of Winthrop Hall with symphonic masterpieces and world-class guest artists.
Matinee Symphony Series: Following high demand, these popular one-hour concerts expand in 2026 with additional performances at the Heath Ledger Theatre.

 

Baroque Series: Twice as many performances this year, directed by Shaun Lee-Chen and Satu Vänskä, capturing the splendour of the Baroque era at His Majesty’s Theatre.
Chamber Music Series: Intimate performances of music chosen by WASO musicians at the elegant Government House Ballroom and historic Fremantle Town Hall.
Underground Series: A space for unexpected new sounds, adventurous collaborations, and boundary-pushing creativity.

WASO continues its proud tradition of championing Australian music with world premiere commissions from James Ledger (Clarinet Concerto), Holly Harrison (Concerto for Classical Accordion), and new works by Aaron Wyatt and Vanessa Perica. The Orchestra will also perform the Australian premieres of two enthralling contemporary works, Esa-Pekka Salonen’s Fog and Steve Reich’s Reich/Richter.

Special events bring even more variety to the season. Movie lovers can experience the thrill of WASO performing live-to-film with Jurassic World and How to Train Your Dragon, while symphonic celebrations of The Music of Joe Hisaishi and An Evening on Broadway promise to delight audiences of all ages.

In 2026, WASO’s music will reach far beyond Perth. Touring begins in February, with Laurence Jackson leading performances in Mandurah and Bunbury, followed by Asher Fisch and Konstantin Shamray joining the Orchestra in Albany in August. The year concludes with a return tour to Mandurah and Bunbury for a rousing performance of Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony.

Explore what’s on and get ready for your unforgettable year of music.

WASO 2026 Subscription Packages
Season packages on sale from Thursday 23 October 2025.
For bookings phone WASO on 9326 0000 (9am-1pm Monday to Friday) or visit waso.com.au/subscriptions.

WASO 2026 Single Tickets
Single tickets on sale from Wednesday 3 December 2025.

Asher Fisch appears courtesy of Wesfarmers Arts. Jen Winley is supported by the Simon Lee Foundation and JACE Foundation. Jenna Smith’s Chair is supported by John & Nita Walshe through the Duet program. James Ledger’s Clarinet Concerto commissioned for WASO by Geoff Stearn. Holly Harrison’s Concerto for Classical Accordion supported by Catherine Dunn on behalf of WASO in a co-commission by the Adelaide, Queensland, Tasmanian and West Australian Symphony Orchestras. Vanessa Perica’s New Work commissioned for WASO by Catherine Dunn. Aaron Wyatt’s New Work for String Orchestra commissioned for WASO and Ensemble Dutala by Clare Thompson in memory of her late husband Dr Brad Power. The Music of Joe Hisaishi is produced in association with Concert Lab. WASO’s Regional Tours are supported by MM Electrical Merchandising and the Western Australian Government. Bunbury and Mandurah events are presented in partnership with Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre and Mandurah Performing Arts Centre.