People of all ages, backgrounds and musical tastes streamed into His Majesty’s Theatre on Friday 28th September to celebrate an iconic album and one of history’s most influential bands, Nirvana. At the close of the last number, the orchestra was met with a full standing ovation, with some audience members even standing on their chairs! PSO has certainly lived up to its reputation as “the orchestra that breaks rules”!.

Here’s what reviewers are saying:

Ryan Ellis, Xpress Mag – 9/10 stars – Read the full review here.

“What made the night so special was that it wasn’t just an orchestra playing Nirvana covers, it was something totally different and new… A complete recreation of Unplugged that encapsulated the vibe of and emotion behind the original, while still paying homage to the legacy of Cobain and Nirvana.

PSO are the rebels of the orchestral world…..The year isn’t over yet but what the PSO and Burford put on tonight will be hard to beat. It was hands down one of the best performances of the year, and definitely the most creative thing this writer has seen.”

Melanie D Griffiths, Amnplify – 3.5 stars. Read the full review here.

“It takes a lot of chutzpah to tackle one of the greatest bands that ever were, led by the figurehead of an entire generation. And wildly, the Perth Symphony Orchestra and Justin Burford’s Unplugged: Nirvana Reimagined worked, rather spectacularly at challenging our preconceived ideas of an iconic performance to offer something fresh and colourful.

…Burford made it clear he is a worthy artist to deliver Cobain’s material. Burford, of indie-pop band End Of Fashion, delivered a very worth homage to his hero in appearance, mannerism, and vocally.”

Robert Housley, Noted. Read the full review here.

“…Justin Burford channelled the role and gravelly voice to near perfection. His uncanny physical resemblance to the dishevelled Cobain, coupled with his superlative West Coast US accent, made it feel like the man himself was there. The cardie, chain smoking and nervous movements on a swivel chair took you right back to MTV Unplugged.

What set this concert aside was the casual interplay between him and lithe PSO chief conductor/artistic director Jessica Gethin. She said very little but was a potent and lively conduit between the grunge front man and the sea of black-bedecked players.

This triumvirate were as one throughout arranger Ash Gibson Greig’s beautifully realised versions of the MTV Unplugged song list including gems such as Come As You Are and All Apologies.”

Sasha Cambrie from Scenstr. Read the full review here.

“From the sounds of violins and trumpet delightfully messing with my expectations during ‘The Man Who Sold The World’, to the tuba and harp features during ‘Plateau’ and ‘Oh Me’ respectively, it was a performance to be respected for its alluring complexity.”

We are delighted to announce that we will be taking our much-loved show ‘Faith & Freedom: The Music of George Michael’ on tour to Singapore! The show will be performed at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands hotel on Friday December 14 & Saturday December 15 2018.

Faith & Freedom: The Music of George Michael is a unique concert celebrating the incredible music of George Michael with songs spanning both his days as front man of Wham! and his incredible solo career.

The fully-narrated concert has entertained over 10,000 people and received rave reviews and standing ovations wherever it has played. George Michael’s works have been reimagined with the aim of taking the audience on a remarkable journey of emotion that sheds a new light on some of the best-loved songs from Faith to Careless Whisper, Freedom to I’m Your Man.

Perth Symphony Executive Director and show producer Bourby Webster will be attending to oversee the concert, which will be conducted by our very own Jessica Gethin. WAAPA Gospel Choir Director Matt Allen and choir members Allira Wilson, Lani Melrose and Jordan Anthony will feature in the concert and Matt will be heading over early to work with a local choir.

If you fancy a bit of a pre-Christmas getaway, tickets are available here!

We are excited to have received three wonderful reviews for C.A.L.M (Come and Listen to Music) from OzArts, CutCommon and Xpress Magazine!

Neville Cohn at OzArts had this to say:

“There was an almost palpable air of anticipation before the start of Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony, his 41st and last essay in the genre. With Jessica Gethin in top form directing proceedings from the podium, and the orchestra led with characteristic authority by Paul Wright, the work unfolded in exemplary fashion. There was a fine balance of power and grace in the opening allegro vivace. Cellos were in excellent fettle here. The andante cantabile was beautifully considered with as much focus on detail as on conveying the overall sweep of the movement. And the playing in the minuet was an essay in graceful strength with a frankly delightful buoyancy of both mood and momentum. The finale brought joyous energy in abundance as it flashed and glittered with fine detail.

As was customary in Mozart’s day, the orchestra played standing (other than the cellists, of course). Audience seating was arranged around the orchestra, the players casually garbed in blue jeans and white tops. And from first note to last, there was about the playing a disciplined commitment which augurs well. Laurels, in particular, to the cellists and flautist; their contribution was particularly pleasing. The same could be said of the horn and trumpet players who were much on their mettle.

This was an important event. I hope there will be more of them. There’s clearly a demand for it.”

We loved this review from Jasmine Middleton at CutCommon!

“Not only did PSO succeed in transporting concertgoers to a safe, calming space far from impending deadlines and the stress of everyday life. It succeeded in breaking down the long-established barriers of the ‘concert hall’ tradition as it completely reimagined the accessibility and experience of live classical music – for the better.

The outward, pure enjoyment that the PSO musicians exuded must have been infectious as, by the last C major cadence closing the piece, the whole audience was beaming. It was clear that the night had been a success.”

David O’Connell at X-Press Magazine had this to say:

“PSO’s performance was on point as they were able to play to their strengths. Despite their varied repertoire, this is the music they’re trained in — this is the music they’re familiar with. The light and bright strings, the brassy notes of the horns; this is not some sleepy idyll but rather a celebration. Dramatic but never overwhelming, Jupiter convinces us of its noble character and curative properties. It sweeps you along, giving you that hit of endorphins you require after a busy day.”

We thank co-presenter MSWA, concert partner Hewshott International and event partner City of Perth for making this concert possible.

We’re delighted to announce that Ministry of Sound: Orchestrated’s celebration of classic dance anthems will return to King’s Park in December, and Perth Symphony will be performing once again!

As a celebration of the most beloved dancefloor moments of the past 25 years, Orchestrated rearranges, remixes and reimagines classic tracks with a live symphony orchestra and special guest vocalists for a night of pure celebration. Featuring classic dance hits from the likes of Fatboy Slim, Moby, Eric Prydz and Robert Miles, Orchestrated is guaranteed to provide an unforgettable evening.

With guest vocalists SAM SPARRO (AU/US), CRYSTAL WATERS (US) and ALISON LIMERICK (UK), plus WA DJ/producer Dr Packer (DJ set), this will be a nostalgic throwback to some of the greatest party anthems of all time. Orchestrated is sure to generate some serious foot movement, bringing friends together to relive the heady days of clubbing in a true celebration of dance music,  truly a night to remember from start to end.This December’s tour will be the most extensive run of Orchestrated shows to date, with debut shows in Gold Coast and Hobart joining return performances in even bigger venues in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.

Read more here. 

 

Announcement! A brand new symphonic concert is coming to Perth, created by Perth Symphony Executive Director Bourby Webster.

Shake off the post work blues and stresses from the day and be taken away by the magic of music when Perth Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jessica Gethin performs Mozart’s Symphony No. 41.

“The therapeutic benefits of music have always been known and now the audience will be able to fully immerse themselves into Mozart’s mellifluous music, allowing the stresses and strains of modern life float away,”

– Bourby Webster

This is a concert focused on improving your mental health and wellbeing. A truly mindful experience.

Read more HERE.

We thank co-presenter MSWA and concert partners Hewshott International and the City of Perth.