Bourby Webster Takes Her Final Bow and Perth Symphony Plays On

Media Release

29 July - 29 July 2022

Bourby Webster, Founder and Creative Director, will resign from her role with the Perth Symphony Orchestra on 22 December 2022.

Since founding Perth Symphony Orchestra in 2011, Bourby led the organisation in its vision to create music for everyone. PSO’s supporters, donors and the ever-growing audiences would agree this ambition has been truly realised. Bourby’s departure has been made possible through a clear strategic, considered, targeted and successful succession plan which was heralded when Catherine Henwood was appointed as CEO earlier this year.

Catherine said “Bourby has changed the cultural landscape of Western Australia by forming a highly successful artistic organisation which has redefined expectations of orchestral concerts in every sense, challenging the type of music, the performance location, and even the gender of the conductor that an audience might expect to experience.”

Board Chair Phil Thick acknowledged Ms Webster’s enormous contribution “I have worked with Bourby for almost 4 years and during that time have been so impressed by Bourby’s fantastic energy and tireless commitment not just to Perth Symphony, but to the cultural sector and the artistic vibrancy of our state. She is a true champion of the arts, and we are so grateful for all that she has given to PSO and WA during her 12-year tenure.”

Ms Webster said “Perth Symphony has demonstrated that orchestral music truly is for everyone. I am incredibly grateful to have had the privilege to work with so many talented and generous people who have made Perth Symphony the company it is today. The time is right for me to move on, knowing the orchestra will continue to grow, push boundaries, inspire, delight and connect – being fun, fresh and fearless in the dedicated pursuit of our mission. I am excited about what lies ahead for me as I move to explore new horizons, and for Perth Symphony under the leadership of CEO Catherine Henwood and a highly skilled board of directors.”

The Board of Perth Symphony Orchestra has immediately commenced an international search to appoint a new Artistic Director.

Bourby will play a key role in the recruitment of a new Artistic Director and finalise Perth Symphony’s artistic programme for 2023 before she departs in late December.

Photo Credit: Philip Thick, Bourby Webster, Catherine Henwood

Photo by Callen Dellar