The 2010 season for the West Australian Symphony Orchestra promises to be a stimulating journey through a musical soundscape. Venturing through classic symphonies from the greatest composers such as Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Dvorak WASO then breaks into new terrain with world premieres from Andrew Ford, Sir John Tavener and Ross Edwards, and Australian premieres from Philip Glass, Liza Lim and Kaija Saariaho – some of today’s most creative living composers.

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2010 is the second season under the direction of Principal Conductor Paul Daniel, who is also the Artistic Advisor, and definitely the right man for the job according to Marshall McGuire, Executive Manager, Artistic Planning.

‘The first year was very exciting. Building a relationship with the conductor is the most important thing an orchestra can do, and this season is building on the great work that has already been done.’

There are several series to the 2010 season, including the Masters Series, Classics Series, Contempo Series, Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Family Series and the hugely successful Morning Symphony Series. In addition, there is also the return of the series of WASO in the community. This includes a live recording of the ABC Classic FM program Keys to Music; a number of concerts given by the Education Chamber Orchestra designed to give an introduction to the orchestra and its instruments for 2 to 7 year olds, and of course the Symphony in the City, the wildly popular free outdoor event on the Esplanade.

The season this year is not necessarily aimed at only the classical music aficionados – there is appeal and variations for all ages and all experiences of music, with probably one of the more unique concerts being Bugs Bunny at the Symphony. Moving out of the traditional WASO venue of the Perth Concert Hall for two nights, the orchestra will be taking up residence at the Burswood Theatre, where, with the original Looney Tunes cartoons being projected onto a big screen, the accompaniment will be provided live.

McGuire explains, ‘I’ve played the show about ten times over the last 20 years, in Sydney, at the Opera House and various other places, and it’s just the best fun. And it’s great music; it’s all Wagner and Rossini and great scores, I can’t tell you how much fun it is. The orchestra adores playing it and it’s going to be a really special thing. And Warner Brothers have relaunched the whole brand, this is a new program, it’s a 20th anniversary international event, and we’ve got it.’

The Grand Gala for WASO in 2010 is A Night in Paris with Sumi Jo, one of the world’s finest sopranos. This black tie event will feature some of the best loved music from opera and operetta and is sure to be a night to remember. ‘Sumi has been to Perth before, she’s just a mega star, and this is with the WASO chorus as well – it’s going to be our glamorous event for the year,’ however Maguire is, as ever, true to WASO’s community friendly spirit, adding ‘It’s not an elitist event; it’s not something we want to be exclusive in the sense of excluding people, but we want it to be an occasion; a grand occasion because it’s a grand event. And she’s just phenomenal, she’s a great performer.’

The entire season promises to build on the already excellent reputation of the orchestra with something for everyone and of all ages and experience. For subscriptions to any number of the WASO seasons or single tickets contact the WASO Box Office on (08) 9326 0000 or see www.waso.com.au.

David Gray

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