The 2012 season for the WA Symphony Orchestra is still going strong, closing with Symphony in the City, a free outdoor concert at Langley Park that has become an essential part of summer in Perth. The 2013 season is fuller and busier than ever before. The program for next year boasts variety and depth, adding a new International Recital Series to the mix, to expand the program and offer a new concert experience.I spoke to Evan Kennea about the upcoming season at his office in Perth. The head of artistic planning at WASO, Kennea is excited about the year ahead.

‘We have a few soloists returning’, Cellists Sol Gabetta (playing Dvorak) and Alban Gerhardt (playing Bach, Brahms and Kodaly), amongst other talented soloists, ‘We try to get that mix of artists that the audience really love to see every year or two, plus people they’ve not come across before.’ Similarly there are many conductors returning next year for various performances.

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Catering to kids, The Family Series in 2013 includes Peter and The Wolf Live and Little Red Riding Hood. Peter and The Wolf Live features Britten’s masterpiece: Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, and is followed by a film based on Prokofiev’s much-loved work for children. ‘It’s a beautifully made film’ says Kennea, ‘It’s really cool. People get an idea of what components make up the orchestra, and then they get to watch a film that brings the story to life… The film is magic. Little Red Riding Hood  brings Roald Dahl’s unique version of the story to life in a sparkling concert featuring three talented actors and a collection of puppets.

Two concerts that promise to be epic are Pirates of the Carribean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. In both concerts WASO performs the soundtrack to the films live, and in Lord of the Rings, are joined by the WASO Chorus and St George’s Cathedral Choristers.

Latitude is back in 2013, following sold-out performances in 2012. Performed at the Astor Theatre in Mt Lawley, the two Latitude concerts are going to be jammed with innovative, exciting and dynamic new orchestral music.

There are just so many great concerts planned for next year: Sarah Blasko at Kings Park, Pinchas Zukerman in Concert, Tchaikovsky’s Pathetique, Strauss & Ravel, Ingrid Fliter plays Chopin… we couldn’t ask for a better line up.WASO makes subscription easy for seasoned veterans and newbies alike. There’s a First Timer’s Package, which is a perfect introduction to the Orchestra, as well as a Gala Package (the best of the best), amongst others. 

Pick up a brochure to check out the 2013 season,
or visit online: www.waso.com.au

Claire Alexander