Perth Symphony appoints an Artistic Patron

Perth Symphony Orchestra is unbelievably thrilled to announce that international conductor and self-proclaimed music revolutionary, Charles Hazlewood will step on board as ‘Artistic Patron’. A huge honour and success for Perth Symphony. As Artistic Patron, Charles will support and encourage the Orchestra throughout all future concerts and be invited to conversations about the direction and planning throughout.

Charles joins existing Patron Tim Roberts, who has been with Perth Symphony since 2015.

Charles, based in London, UK, is the founder of the world’s first Paraorchestra, and with this creation he aims to create new audiences for orchestral music as well as attempting to reinvent what an “orchestra” is. A vision which is synonymous with Perth Symphony’s mission of ‘Music for Everyone’.

Perth Symphony was delighted to work with Charles when he brought his British Paraorchestra to Perth as part of the 2019 Perth Festival, in a remarkable project called ‘The Nature of Why’.

Perth Symphony is passionate about keeping classical music and its techniques relevant for all audiences. As time moves forward they strive to move with it and with this in mind Charles was invited by Jessica Gethin (Conductor) and Bourby Webster (Founder and CEO) to be the new Artistic Patron.

“I am thrilled to be joining Perth Symphony Orchestra in their movement to challenge tradition and bring orchestral music to a wider audience,” said the critically acclaimed composer and musical director in response to his patronage.

“It is of utmost importance to communicate the value of orchestral music to those who may have not had the experience otherwise, and so it is so exciting to see more organisations taking steps to make this a reality,” he added.

“I am committed to exploring ways to connect audiences with the magic of the symphony orchestra, ensuring it is relevant to a 21st Century audience. I know Perth Symphony Orchestra, based in Western Australia, shares this vision and passion and it is my pleasure to accept their invitation to be Artistic Patron for the orchestra.”

Perth Symphony is overjoyed to have Charles on board as Artistic Patron and look forward to working with him to help keep orchestral music alive.

Find out more about Charles and his incredible work here.

Music Under the Stars – concert program 2019

Welcome to Music Under the Stars, an annual concert for ECU Alumni and Supporter.

We are delighted to be  back on this beautiful campus to perform this concert for you, in collaborations with the talented WAAPA students.

Perth Symphony Orchestra is the proud Performance Partner of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and we are delighted to have our combined orchestra on stage tonight, performing with soloists from across the Classical, Jazz and Contemporary voice departments. All music you are hearing tonight was specially arranged for your ears only – by the WAAPA Composition students.

Tonight’s concert is conducted by Tom O’Halloran and hosted by Tim White, Senior Lecturer at WAAPA.

 

PROGRAM

Men At Work DOWN UNDER
ft. Madoc Plane, arranged by Maddy Ivy

Icehouse GREAT SOUTHERN LAND
ft. Rhys Clark, arranged by Stuart Orchard

Daddy Cool EAGLE ROCK
ft. Owen Measday, arranged by Maddy Ivy

Gotye SOMEBODY THAT I USED TO KNOW
ft. Samantha Hicks & Reece Collard, arranged by Maddy Ivy

The Triffids WIDE OPEN ROAD
ft. Mikayla Boonstra, arranged by Elliot Peacock

The Church UNDER THE MILKYWAY
ft. Stella Cain, arranged by Olivia Guelfi

Christine Anu MY ISLAND HOME
ft. Angelica Lockyer, arranged by Hanae Wilding

John Paul Young LOVE IS IN THE AIR
ft. Jordan Tomjaune, arranged by Ray Walker*

Daryl Braithwaite THE HORSES
ft. Mia Simonette, arranged by Jonathan Yang’

– INTERVAL – 

Jonathan Yang LEAP OF FAITH

INXS NEVER TEAR US
ft. Amy Reeves, arranged by Stuart Orchard

Cold Chisel FLAME TREES
ft. Kayla Beattie, arranged by Olivia Guelfi

Crowded House DON’T DREAM IT’S OVER
ft. Lucy Iffla, arranged by Aaron Stulcbauer

Peter Allen STILL CALL AUSTRALIA HOME
ft. Ava Charleson, arranged by Kathy Potter*

Midnight Oil BEDS ARE BURNING
ft. Reece Collard, arranged by Elliot Peacock

Hunters & Collectors THROW YOUR ARMS AROUND ME
ft. Amy Ehlers, arranged by Hanae Wilding

AC/DC IT’S A LONG WAY TO THE TOP (IF YOU WANNA ROCK ‘N’ ROLL)
ft. Ashka Rhodes, arranged by Maddy Ivy

John Farnham YOU’RE THE VOICE
ft. Madoc Plane, arranged by Joey Eng

– ENCORE – 

Bruce Woodley / Dobe Newton WE ARE AUSTRALIAN
ft. Angelica Lockyer, Sophie Herbert & everyone! Arranged by Olivia Guelfi

*Is not a WAAPA composition student

 

MUSICIANS

Violin 1 Oboe
Jasmine Skinner° Stephanie Nicholls°
Nadia Alexander Esther Lee
Aya Smith
Patrick Meyer Trumpet
Jenny Coleman°
Violin 2 Carl Evers
Ruth Klein Cook°
Jude Iddison Trombone
Daniel Drieberg Bruce Thompson°
Ewan Potter
Viola
Kathy Potter° Drum Kit
Erica Ketterer Ric Eastman#
Hanae Wilding
Perc
Cello Tom Robertson
Sophie Curtis° Germaine Png
Georgia Cook Joey Eng
Double Bass Keys
Libby Browning° Bob Tweedie
Oakley Paul
Electric Guitar
Flute Jackson Venables
Diane Riddell°
Morgana Giannikos Bass Guitar
Gwyneth Gardiner

° Perth Symphony musician  |  # WAAPA staff

Thank you for joining us tonight at ‘Music Under the Stars’, we hope you have a wonderful evening. Thank you to the amazing team at ECU inviting us to be part of their wonderful event, and for Tim White, the team at WAAPA and their students for being so fabulous to work with.

To hear about Perth Symphony’s exciting 2020 program (announced soon!) please join the mailing list here.
To find out more about WAAPA’s upcoming concerts and performances, as well as its courses go to: WAAPA.ecu.edu.au

PSO wRight Awards 2019

At every PSO birthday we hand out ‘wRight Awards’, coined after our inaugural Concertmaster, Paul Wright. These awards are given for outstanding contribution by musicians to PSO over the year, including the wRight Award, given for something memorable that happens during the year that captures what pso is all about – fun, community, creative excellence.

Below are our 2019 winners!

Artistic Recognition Award –
2016: Paul Wright for his sublime performance of the 2nd Movement of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto at Beethoven, Beer, Bratwurst & Bjork
2017: Kathy Potter for her performance of the 2nd movement of Telemann’s Viola concerto (can you find the exact name & movement from the Baroque by Candlelight program) at Baroque by Candlelight.
2018: Jenny Coleman for her performance at Baroque by Candlelight
2019: Sophie Curtis for Performance for our Planet

Community Commitment Award –
2016: Zest Fest Quartet (Margie Blades, Andie Mendham, Katie McKay, Catherine Tabi) for performing Bizet in a local pub in Perenjori for no other reason than they wanted to – a gift to the community
2017: Wendy Tait for going above and beyond to connect and support the local community in Burringurrah through finding footballs and bass strings for community members whilst on a regional tour to the Gascoyne.
2018: Adam Hawksworth for always being the first to offer to help
2019: Miranda Murray-Yong for teaching one of the young dancers drums in the Wowak Project.
2019: Jenny Coleman for her work with regional kids on the Baroque Tour.

Spirit of PSO Award –
2016: Tresna Stampalia for her continual support of PSO, in particular through being a committee member for two years for Friends of PSO, giving time and ideas.
2017: Lucas O’Brien for incredible commitment to pso through the Concertmaster Development Program, attending Artistic Planning Meetings, debriefing concerts and rehearsals and helping shape the future of the orchestra.
2018: Jo Littely for going the extra mile and covering her whole face (!) in face paint at Halloween performances.
2019: Pascale Whiting for appearing in almost every bit of PR we’ve ever done and saying to anything we ask of her.

wRight Award –
2016: Paul Wright for wearing a turquoise blue shirt to 2016’s The Snowman, despite the dress code being concert blacks with a hint of red and green.
2017: Rachael Aquilina for her violin smash at Nirvana.
2018: Kieran Hurley for spontaneously busting out into baby shark at a school visit
2019: Sasha McCulloch for mustering cattle from a helicopter whilst on a trip to perform for Minderoo Foundation at Minderoo Station.

Introducing Kim Grist to the Board of Directors!

It’s exciting times ahead with Perth Symphony as we welcome Kim Grist to the Board of Directors!

Kim was the founding partner of Grist Consulting where he recently passed the baton to Peter Grist who will lead the company and is now the major shareholder. Kim remains involved in the psychology of leadership, leadership coaching, goal setting and building accountability with executives who really want to make a difference through his new role at Ventana Consulting Group.
Kim has a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and a Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Oregon State University where he studied while on a Track and Field Scholarship. Kim has been a registered psychologist for 25+ years and he is considered one of the Australia’s leading business development and change management consultants and psychologists.

Kim has worked with leading organisations across a range of industries in the areas of business growth strategy formulation, leadership and business development, culture and organisational change.

Get to know Kim a better with this fun questionnaire we asked!

  • What do you love about PSO?
    he PSO attracted me on a number of levels …trying to give musicians work, introducing music to kids through our educational programmes as these experiences assist learning…introducing orchestral music to people that wouldn’t ordinarily get the opportunity, through contemporary performances.
  • What is your personal connection to music?
    My connection to music is I get to play with different people at small gigs occasionally…play a bit of guitar and sing ..contemporary stuff …..I love the fullness of an orchestra with contemporary hits
  • What was the last concert you attended?
    The PSOs Doors interpretation at His Majesty’s …before that The Stones in Perth.
  • What music are you currently listening to a lot?
    High rotation, travel, Italian Language Lessons, cooking, surfing, Running Half Marathons and A Marathon a year,  being an involved grandfather …Father and Husband…The Fathering Project Board, part time working…consulting in psychology, change, business planning and business development

Let’s get festive with Claremont Christmas!

Christmas is right around the corner, so join us for the Claremont Christmas Festival! When the sun sets, light up a candle as we perform carols for you to sing along to.

An  evening of family fun, including train and camel rides, face painting, arts and crafts activities, and a bouncy castle.  There will be a fantastic selection of food stalls to stop your bellies from rumbling, so bring along a picnic basket, grab a bite, and settle in for a festive evening under the stars.
And if you keep your eyes peeled you might spot a certain someone with a white beard and a red suit… we’ve already said too much! Just make sure you’re there because you will not want to miss our special guest.

This is a free event for the whole community. Entertainment and activities kick off at 4pm, with carols starting at 7pm.

When: Sunday, 1st December 2019
Time: 4pm – 8.30pm
Where: Claremont Park 
Find more info here.

Music under the Stars with Edith Cowan University!

It’s a pleasure to be performing once again for ECU’s Music under the Stars concert! We will be joined with a number of accomplished and talented WAAPA students to bring  orchestral music with a twist. Expect a range of classic and contemporary Australian songs from Kylie to ACDC!
The spectacular annual alfresco concert will be in its 8th year in 2019 and brings together esteemed guests and ECU alumni to enjoy a musical showcase in the stunning amphitheatre in front of ECU’s Chancellery Building.

It’s sure to be a fun night out so bring your friends and family along, grab a spot on the grass and enjoy the great music.

Date: Sunday 24th November
Venue: ECU Joondalup
Tickets: Register for your free tickets and find more info here.

We’re coming to you this summer, Kwinana!

We’re excited to be performing once more for the beautiful City of Kwinana! The 2019 Summer Symphony will include your favourite hits from George Michael, ABBA, Stevie Wonder and David Bowie, to name a few, and is sure to make your heart sing and get your toes tapping on a night you’ll never forget!

Head down to Calista Oval from 5.30pm for a variety of pre-show entertainment, followed by a spectacular performance from the Perth Symphony Orchestra and special guests. Bring along a chair, rug and a picnic, or make the most of the range of food trucks available.

This is a FREE community event brought to you by the City of Kwinana and with thanks to sponsors Kwinana Industries Council, Fremantle Ports and Lotterywest.

When: Saturday, 7th December 2019
Time: 5:30pm to 8:15pm
Where: Calista Oval (2 Walgreen Cres, Calista WA)
Register for your free tickets and find more info here.

Perth Symphony receives Government Funding!

We are over the moon to have received State Government Organisational Funding for the first time. This is a huge milestone for us here at Perth Symphony. This shows just how far we have come over the last (almost!) eight years. Woohoo! Bring on the celebratory cake!

Duncan Ord, Director General said,

“Perth Symphony Orchestra (PSO) was commended for being an exciting new organisation who present classical music in a fun and surprising way. The organisation was commended for its reach beyond the CBD and for its work with female conductors. PSO has secured international partnerships, as well as having a focus on producing and presenting work. It has demonstrated diversity in its choices of personnel and production.”

We are looking forward to bringing more music to more people across Western Australia over the next three years, thanks to this funding and the continued support of our partners and donors. Thank you to the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries for your kind words and belief in us.

Find out which other 36 Western Australian arts, cultural and creative sector organisations were fortunate enough to receive Arts Organisations Investment Program funding here.

Celebrating ‘International Podcast Day’

When we’re not filling our ear holes with amazing music, we love to binge on some insightful and thought-provoking podcasts. To celebrate International Podcast Day 2019🎙, we thought we’d share some of our favourites:

1. TED Radio Hour
Based on Talks given by speakers on the world-renowned TED stage, each podcast follows a theme – happiness, innovation followed by conversations that bring these ideas and concepts to life!

We particularly love their deep dives into topics around the arts and music. Have a listen to their recent episode; How Art Changes Us, featuring painter and sculptor Titus Kaphar, painters Dre Urhahn and eL Seed, textile artist Magda Sayeg, and conductor Benjamin Zander, each sharing ideas on the transformative nature of art and its ability to shape the way we see ourselves and the world around us.

2. Decomposed
If you’re a classical music fan – this podcast is right up your ally. Listen to the stories, secrets and scandals that have shaped the genre of classical music! It’s a riveting podcast with a mix of stories accompanied by symphonies.

We love all six episodes, which share stories about Clara Schumann, Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, Beethoven and Gershwin.

3. Disgraceland
It’s not always about beautifully composed music – not with the Disgraceland Podcast anyway! Listen in to the criminal stories surrounding the most interesting and infamous music pop stars! 

From murder to misdemeanours dive into the colourful past of musicians.

4. The Guilty Feminist Podcast
“I’m a feminist but…one time I went on a women’s rights march, and I popped into a department store to use the loo, and I got distracted trying out face cream. And when I came out the march was gone.”

We particularly enjoyed Episode 131: Women in Classical Music, featuring Soprano Nadine Benjamin and Episode 150: Disobedience with our very own Ofa Fotu (Hot Brown Honey)!


5. Thoroughly Good – Classical Music Podcast
The perfect podcast to wind down to and listen to artists, writers, and audience members talk about  the world of classical music and the concert-going experience.

 

 

Did you know that Perth Symphony has a foot (or an ear!) in the podcast game too? Listen & subscribe today!
Available on Spotify and Soundcloud, come dive into the inspirations and thoughts behind our concerts.

Check out our latest podcast; Episode 027 Love Him Madly: The Doors Reimagined featuring Corey Murphy and Callum O’Reilly – the two young and talented composers who arranged all the music behind the concert. Keep an ear our for the next episode coming soon with composer Joe Chindamo, who was commissioned by Perth Symphony Orchestra to reimagine Mozart’s famous ‘Eine Kleine Nachtmusik’.

 

We welcome PROGRAMMED to the Perth Symphony family!

Perth Symphony Orchestra is excited to announce that Programmed have joined as a Platinum Partner.

Programmed is a leading provider of operations and maintenance services across all industry sectors including education, health, infrastructure, manufacturing, transport and mining in Australia and New Zealand. With over 25,000 staff, they are one of Australia’s largest employers.

Having long standing sponsorships within the sporting realm, we are delighted to be the first major arts organisation Programmed have chosen to partner with. Programmed incoming Managing Director, Glenn Thompson noticed an appetite for the business to invest in the arts.

“Arts and culture provides the community with the opportunity to express themselves and increase creative thinking, it allows people to come together,” said Glenn.

“Music automatically creates a sense of community and by partnering with the PSO we’re helping facilitate a culture of inclusion.”

Perth Symphony CEO and Founder, Bourby Webster says the orchestra has grown to be one of Perth’s most unique orchestral experiences.

“We want people to feel like they belong to something bigger, our music is that something. It’s relatable to all, across generations, and is one of the only things in society that can draw in crowds from different demographics and backgrounds at once,” said Bourby.

“We’re proud to be giving the community a chance to experience the magic of the symphony orchestra, and by partnering with Programmed we’re able to continue doing so.”

In addition to this, Perth Symphony welcomes Coogee – a privately owned chemical manufacturing company based in Kwinana Beach on board as an Orchestra Partner. This is a fantastic fit as Perth Symphony has performed a major summer concert in Rockingham each summer since 2017 alongside an extensive education program, visiting over 6,000 kids across 13 schools in this time.

Having performed to over 43,000 people across Perth last summer, Perth Symphony is achieving their mission of ‘music for everyone’ and by partnering with companies such as Programmed and Coogee, who understand the value of music and the arts in the community, we look forward to taking the magic of music to even more people all across Western Australia in the future.