We are WASO - Jacinta Sirr-Williams
23.01.2020
Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of an organisation like WASO? We’ve decided to draw back the curtain and introduce you to some of our incredible admin team, without whom the concerts you enjoy would not be brought to life.
Name: Jacinta Sirr-Williams
Job Title: Philanthropy & Annual Giving Manager
Time with WASO: 3 years
What are the main responsibilities of your role?
I look after the Annual Giving fund that is the cornerstone of the WASO Philanthropy program. We have many generous Patrons and it is my job to make sure they enjoy a special relationship with the Orchestra and receive unique access and exclusive opportunities to enrich their orchestral experience.
What do you love most about working at WASO?
Working at WASO it goes without saying that you LOVE the music, but the other thing I love working at WASO is I get to go out and meet our Patrons and say thank you! There is nothing like meeting someone new over a coffee, giving them a very special Patron Pin and saying thank you! It always brightens my week.
Do you have a favourite or memorable WASO concert?
My most memorable WASO concert was the first concert I ever attend as a WASO staff member in 2017. I was sitting in the Perth Concert Hall stalls and my heart just filled with so much pride to be working for such an amazing Orchestra. The concert was Helene Grimaud Plays Bartok with Martyn Brabbins as conductor. They finished the concert with Stravinsky’s Firebird and I will forever cherish that piece of music.
I also had a similar feeling when I attended my first ever WASO in 2009. It was Handel Messiah at Christmas time and we sat in the choir stalls. I sat there in wonder and awe and knew I would work for WASO one day!
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I like tending to my roses, going to exercise at F45 and spending time with family & friends. I also like to take trips down south to our family bush block in Karridale. I am also working on my photography skills of nature and wildlife.
Do you have a favourite composer or piece of music?
The last two years working at WASO I have been exposed to Wagner and I absolutely love it.
Alongside symphony orchestra pieces, I also love opera, with my favourite being La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi.
If you could choose to do any other job in the company what would it be?
Chief Executive Officer for sure! Who wouldn’t want to lead such an amazing organization like WASO! You would walk the streets of Perth feeling so proud.
What is your favourite movie?
My favourite movie is Chicago with Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Richard Gere.
Do you have a go-to Karaoke song?
You can never go past a good ABBA song, so my go to is Mamma Mia by ABBA.
Favourite travel destination or somewhere you can’t wait to visit and why?
My favourite travel destination is Sri Lanka. I visited with my partner in 2018 and fell in love with the place. To quote the tourism brochures it has endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, rolling surf, cheap prices, fun trains, famous tea and flavourful food that make Sri Lanka such an amazing place to visit!
