Friday 27 and Saturday 28 September, Perth Symphony Orchestra showcased the second concerts in our WA Stories Series: ‘Prima’. This second chapter was held at the beautiful Hackett Hall under Otto the Blue Whale at WA Museum Boola Bardip.

Prima, celebrated the extraordinary life of Australian Ballerina, Lucette Aldous. A woman with a truly remarkable life and career in the arts; from conquering the ballet world by performing leading roles of the ballet repertoire across Europe and the USA, to performing with Rudolf Nureyev and studying at the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, and finally to being a key member in the foundation and creation of WAAPA’s Dance Department.

We were so lucky to work very closely with Lucette’s Daughter, Floeur Alder, who not only helped us with research and music selection, but Floeur joined Perth Symphony Orchestra on stage to dance alongside a video of Lucette. We were also fortunate to work with Barry Moreland (Writer), and David McAllister AC who narrated Lucette’s remarkable story.

Some musical highlights included the performance of music from Lucette’s most notable ballet role in Don Quixote by Ludwig Minkus, Soprano Naomi Johns’ performance of both a pop hit by Dusty Springfield and ‘September’ from Richard Strauss’ ‘Four Last Songs’, and beautiful piano solos by Shuan Hern Lee.

CHECK OUT SOME PHOTOS OF PRIMA
Credit: Trik Photography