Classical Music in Perth
From Schubert to Star Wars, Mozart to Metallica and Bach to Bowie, WA’s orchestras and classical ensembles offer diverse programs year-round, delighting both young and old in traditional and unexpected settings state-wide. The West Australian Symphony Orchestra is WA’s largest and busiest performing arts organisation comprising a resident company of full-time, professional musicians, Perth Symphony Orchestra challenges traditional ideas of classical performance, whilst the WA Charity Orchestra is made up of more than 200 volunteers who aim to change lives through music.
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WA also boasts a talented choral music scene, featuring a selection of high quality choirs including the St George’s Cathedral Consort, Voyces and the Giovanni Consort. Emerging artists and composers are trained at one of two top institutions, the WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and the UWA Conservatorium of Music. These institutions present an array of concerts and performances each year, and represent the up-and-coming talent the state has to offer.
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Guides

Romance and Mystery
- [email protected]
- 08 9326 0000
- https://www.waso.com.au/concerts-tickets/whats-on/concert/romance
- https://www.waso.com.au/concerts-tickets/whats-on/concert/romance
One of the greatest of all English orchestral works, Elgar’s captivating Enigma Variations is a tender and nostalgic musical depiction of friends and family.
- Dates:Mar 5 & 6
- Time(s):7.30pm
- Venue:Perth Concert Hall
Details
- Hosted By:Western Australia Symphony Orchestra
- Ticket Price:From $30
- Music:Classical,Orchestral,Concerto
- Produced By:WASO: WA Symphony Orchestra
- Event Venue:Perth Concert Hall
Description
The breathtaking pianist Konstantin Shamray joins the talented WASO and Asher Fisch to take on possibly the greatest of all piano concertos, Rachmaninov’s stormy and romantic Second. The concert is opened with the shimmering atmospherics of Olivia Davies’ new work Stratus.

While My Violin Gently Weeps
- [email protected]
- (08) 9257 2558
- https://www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/event-details/2021/02/19/performing-arts/rupert-guenther
- https://kpac48.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/4852
A concert featuring electric violinist Rupert Guenther in an amazing range of inspiring music and extraordinary stories.
- Dates:Feb 19
- Time(s):7.30 pm
- Venue:Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre
Details
- Hosted By:Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre
- Ticket Price:$30 to $35
- Type:Community
- Music:Gig Guide,World,Classical,Blues
Description
Presenting music spanning over nearly five decades, Rupert takes us on a journey through the magic of classical, blues, rock and world music sounds. It includes his own songs as well as selected music by other artists who inspired his individual journey and life in music. Featuring hit songs and instrumentals from George Harrison, Neil Young, Jeff Beck, The Neville Bros, themes from Blade Runner and Zorba, his own meditative solo improvisations, and of course Rupert on his assorted electric violins with his all-star band line up, the night will include the stories from his life which catapulted him into each phase of his career. Rupert Guenther is an international concert violinist playing recitals and shows his own music in Australia, UK, Europe, and the USA, ranging from classical to ambient/world music and blues, and releasing over 27 albums of his own music since 2003. Trained as a virtuoso concert violinist in Vienna, Austria, his deep feeling for music has fuelled his musical passions over a diverse range of musical styles since a young age. Formerly a member of the Vienna Chamber Opera (Vienna, Austria), he has been sideman to stars such as Beatles' producer Sir George Martin, Olivia-Newton John, Demis Roussos, John Farnham, Anthony Warlow, Austrian TV heart-throb Tobias Moretti (of "Inspector Rex" fame - the detective not the dog!), and more recently Hollywood singer-songwriter Lisbeth Scott.

REQUIEM: Love and Loss
- [email protected]
- 9231 9999
- https://www.perthconcerthall.com.au
- https://www.perthconcerthall.com.au/events/event/requiem-love-and-loss
In this musical tribute to some of humanity’s greatest experiences, REQUIEM: Love and Loss showcases the astounding ability for music to uplift, heal and inspire us all.
- Dates:Feb 20
- Time(s):7:30pm
- Venue:Perth Concert Hall
Details
- Hosted By:Western Australian Charity Orchestra
- Music:Classical,Orchestral
- Produced By:WACO: Western Australian Charity Orchestra
- Event Venue:Perth Concert Hall
Description
Join the award-winning WA Wind Symphony and the West Coast Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus in this gripping journey through the power of love, the tragedy of loss and ultimately, the joy of life. Featuring James Barnes’ monumental Third Symphony for wind ensemble, British composer Rebecca Dale’s Materna Requiem for orchestra and chorus (Australian Premiere), Dolly Parton’s Light of a Clear Blue Morning and conductor Samuel Parry’s My River, this concert is sure to both pull at your heartstrings and leave you feeling a sense of blissful calm and joy!

The Little Mermaid - Music on the Terrace
- [email protected]
- 08 9231 9999
- https://www.perthconcerthall.com.au/
- https://tickets.perthconcerthall.com.au/11592/12013
Transforming Government House Ballroom into a fairy-tale world, The Little Mermaid is a must attend event for the family, with arches and balconies becoming underwater caves and a palace.
- Dates:Feb 20 - 21
- Time(s):11am and 2pm
- Venue:Government House Ballroom
Details
- Produced By:Perth Festival
- Festivals:Perth Festival
- Ticket Price:$25 - $40
- Type:For Kids
- Performing Arts:Theatre
- Event Venue:Government House Ballroom
- Hosted By:Music on the Terrace
- Music:Classical,Opera
Description
Freeze Frame Opera has taken Dvorák’s Rusalka, a beautiful version of The Little Mermaid story, and turned it into a magical production for children. Instead of following the traditional love story, this Little Mermaid is a coming-of-age tale about balancing adventure and responsibility as children grow up and leave home.
In a perfect introduction to live music and theatre for young audiences, there’ll be plenty of laughter, interaction and suspense – and of course the sublime music of Dvorák’s lyrical opera. Stay a while longer to enjoy pedal cars, face painting and refreshments, followed by some fun games in the stunning gardens of Government House, all included in your ticket price.

City Of Perth Opera In The Park
- [email protected]
- 9278 8999
- https://www.waopera.asn.au/
- https://tickets.waopera.asn.au/overview/operainthepark
Thrilling singing, romantic melodies, and dramatic ensembles will warm the soul as your heart stirs in the balmy night.
- Dates:Feb 26-27
- Time(s):8:00pm
- Venue:Supreme Court Gardens
Details
- Hosted By:West Australian Opera
- Ticket Price:Free
- Music:Opera,Classical
- Type:Free
- Festivals:Perth Festival
- Produced By:Perth Festival
Description
West Australian Opera returns to Supreme Court Garden in a celebration of live performance and reconnection with the community. This event is free however tickets are essential under State Government Phase 4 restrictions surrounding the COVID19 pandemic.
To enable as many people to attend in 2021, City of Perth Opera in the Park has been extended to two performance evenings.
A Gala Concert Event
For 30 years West Australian Opera has presented Opera in the Park, igniting emotions and sharing the splendour of live performance with thousands of Western Australians.
In a spectacle of Western Australian talent for everyone to enjoy, West Australian Opera is rolling out the stars for this special Opera in the Park 30th Anniversary Gala Concert
This iconic event in the centre of the city will be held over two nights in the Supreme Court Gardens. It is free but tickets are essential.
Western Australian companies join forces for this special event weekend featuring West Australian Opera principal artists, the West Australian Opera Chorus with the full might of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and forms part of the 2021 Perth Festival.

Liszt by Candlelight: Government House Ballroom
Experience the visionary piano music of Franz Liszt in an intimate candlelight concert at Perth's exquisite Government House Ballroom. An evening not to be missed!
- Dates:Feb 27
- Time(s):7pm
- Venue:Government House Ballroom
Details
- Ticket Price:$25-35
- Music:Classical
- Event Venue:Government House Ballroom
Description

WA Opera in the Park - Esperance Civic Centre
- [email protected]
- (08) 9083 1566
- https://www.esperance.wa.gov.au/events/opera-park-30th-anniversary-gala-concert-livestreamed
- https://auecc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/6865
Enjoy this event livestreamed direct to the ESPERANCE CIVIC CENTRE. Register your ticket for this FREE EVENT and enjoy the magic of the opera on the big screen.
- Dates:Feb 27
- Time(s):8:00pm - 10:10pm
- Venue:Esperance Civic Centre
Details
- Hosted By:Esperance Civic Centre
- Ticket Price:FREE EVENT
- Type:Community,Free
- Music:Opera,Classical,Free,Orchestral
Description
A free event supported by Lotterywest. For 30 years West Australian Opera (WAO) has presented Opera in the Park, igniting emotions, and sharing the splendour of opera with thousands of Western Australians. In 2021, WAO is rolling out the Western Australian stars for this special 30th Anniversary Gala Concert featuring thrilling moments and favourite pieces from the world of opera and musical theatre that will have you singing along.
CONDUCTOR Christopher van Tuinen MC Penny Shaw
CAST Emma Matthews, Sara Macliver, Caitlin Cassidy, Paul O'Neill, Michael Lewis, Chelsea Burns, Brianna Louwen, Chelsea Kluga, Matthew Dixon, Lachlann Lawton
FEATURING West Australian Opera Chorus, West Australian Symphony Orchestra
Part of the 2021 Perth Festival

An American in Paris
- [email protected]
- 0893260000
- https://www.waso.com.au/
- https://www.waso.com.au/concerts-tickets/whats-on/concert/american
The West Australian Symphony Orchestra presents An American in Paris, conducted by Asher Fisch and featuring WASO's own trumpet superstar Brent Grapes
- Dates:Mar 12 - 13
- Time(s):7.30pm - 9.30pm
- Venue:Perth Concert Hall
Details
- Hosted By:WASO
- Ticket Price:$30 - $95
- Music:Jazz,Orchestral,Classical
- Produced By:WASO: WA Symphony Orchestra
- Event Venue:Perth Concert Hall
Description
Helicopters cut through the mist in Platoon and Gene Kelly steams up your glasses in An American in Paris – we begin and end with music that defined two iconic Hollywood blockbusters. Kurt Weill’s Symphony No.2 is an absolute gem, embracing both wry satire of relentless energy and the sound of his popular Broadway works. WASO’s own trumpet superstar Brent Grapes will dazzle you with Henri Tomasi’s virtuosic Trumpet Concerto, which traverses an enthralling musical landscape from Hollywood noir, to French impressionism and jazz.

The Best of Rodgers and Hammerstein
- [email protected]
- 08 9326 0000
- https://www.waso.com.au/concerts-tickets/whats-on/concert/rodgers-hammerstein
- https://www.waso.com.au/concerts-tickets/whats-on/concert/rodgers-hammerstein
When Broadway was the pulse of mainstream culture and musicals provided the popular music of the day, Rodgers and Hammerstein would win multiple prestigious awards, and the hearts of millions.
- Dates:Mar 19
- Time(s):7.30pm
- Venue:Perth Concert Hall
Details
- Hosted By:West Australian Symphony Orchestra
- Ticket Price:From $30
- Music:Classical,Orchestral
- Produced By:WASO: WA Symphony Orchestra
- Event Venue:Perth Concert Hall
- Performing Arts:Musicals
Description
One of the world’s most successful Broadway writing teams with two of the brightest shining stars in music theatre today will be performing at Perth Concert Hall, backed by WASO. The crowd will find themselves sing along to all the hits including ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’ from The Sound of Music and ‘Shall We Dance?’ from The King and I, plus ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ from South Pacific, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ from Carousel, and much more!

25th Performing Arts Perspectives
- [email protected]
- 08 9231 9999
- https://www.perthconcerthall.com.au/
- https://tickets.perthconcerthall.com.au/11950/11951
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, this event is an inspiring display of talent, showcasing a selection of the highest standard of year 11 and 12 student performance.
- Dates:Mar 22
- Time(s):7:30pm
- Venue:Perth Concert Hall
Details
- Ticket Price:$22
- Type:Youth Art / Performance
- Performing Arts:Dance,Theatre
- Event Venue:Perth Concert Hall
- Music:Classical
Description
The Performing Arts Perspectives is an important educational event on the annual calendar of Year 11 and 12 Performing Arts students.
The event provides benchmarks of excellence in Dance, Drama and Music for students and teachers from the Public, Independent and Catholic education sector.
The assortment of performers for inclusion in the programme are carefully made to reflect both the most skillful performances and the breadth of work covered in each subject discipline. The highest scoring students are invited to audition and from these, exceptional performers are chosen by a panel made up of representatives from the relevant professional arts area and education sector.

Perth Symphony presents Sound & Waves
- [email protected]
- 08 9384 5060
- https://perthsymphony.com/
- https://perthsymphony.com/pso_event/sound-waves-2/
Set by the water, Sound & Waves celebrates the spiritual connection we have with the ocean, through a bespoke mix of live music and ocean soundscapes, interwoven with stories told by WA individuals.
- Dates:Mar 24
- Time(s):6:30pm
- Venue:B Shed Fremantle
Details
- Hosted By:Perth Symphony Orchestra
- Ticket Price:$35 - $80
- Music:Classical,Orchestral,Country & Folk,Indie & Alternative
Description
Under the Creative Direction of Founder and CEO Bourby Webster, Perth Symphony will bring to life works by classical greats such as Vivaldi and Gershwin, juxtaposed with contemporary composers including Katie Noonan. Special solo performances made up of Ross Edwards ‘Water Spirit Song’ by Principal Cellist Sophie Curtis as well as guitarist Rick Webster performing John Butler’s ‘Ocean’ will provide a refreshing and contemporary twist to the event. “The ocean is the backdrop and soundtrack to the lives of thousands of Western Australians” says Bourby Webster, “and this concert, through a formidable program of music inspired by the ocean spanning centuries, will bring the ocean to the fore through music in an incredibly moving way.” The concert includes a world premier soundscape performance of the Rottnest Channel topography, a special collaboration between Perth Symphony Orchestra and WA composer Rebecca Erin Smith commissioned especially for the concert. Whether you surf, swim, fish or sail, this concert will evoke a sense of movement and awaken your connection to the ocean. Special thanks to presenting partner Blue Ocean Monitoring, concert partner UWA’s Oceans Institute and event partner Fremantle Ports for making this concert possible.

The Baden Street Singers Present: Underneath the Stars II
Go on an cappella odyssey through the universe, starring none other than the very celestial bodies that adorn our night sky - all projected onto the largest planetarium in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Dates:Mar 26 - 27
- Time(s):2 shows per night - 6:30pm & 8:00pm
- Venue:Scitech Planetarium
Details
- Hosted By:The Baden Street Singers
- Ticket Price:General Admission $35; Concession $30
- Type:Youth Art / Performance
- Music:Classical,Choral,Pop
- Other:Science
Description

Bach's Easter Oratorio
- [email protected]
- (08) 9231 9999
- https://www.perthconcerthall.com.au/events/event/bachs-easter-oratorio-SE21
- https://www.perthconcerthall.com.au/events/event/bachs-easter-oratorio-SE21
WA's first professional performance of an Easter classic! Dr Joseph Nolan directs West Australian Symphony Orchestra through the sublime sorrow of Duruflé's Requiem to the jubilance of the Oratorio.
- Dates:Mar 31
- Time(s):7.30pm
- Venue:Perth Concert Hall
Details
- Hosted By:St George's Cathedral and West Australian Symphony Orchestra
- Ticket Price:Standard $75, Under 30s $30
- Music:Choral,Classical,Orchestral
- Produced By:WASO: WA Symphony Orchestra
- Event Venue:Perth Concert Hall
Description
In their second co-production, St George's Cathedral and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) will present an Easter concert never performed before in Perth. Duruflé's Requiem and Bach's Easter Oratorio will come together to create "a sonic picture of the joy of Easter", in the words of Joseph Nolan, St George's Concert Series Artistic Director. The concert tells the Easter story through the exquisite sounds of two extraordinary composers. Beginning with the solemn serenity of Duruflé's Requiem, the second half brings the jubilance of the resurrection through Bach's Oratorio. Featuring Soprano Sara Macliver, Mezzo Fiona Campbell, Tenor Paul McMahon and Baritone James Clayton with St George's Cathedral Consort.

Darlington Quartet (Soirée Series)
- [email protected]
- 08 9231 9999
- https://www.perthconcerthall.com.au/
- https://tickets.perthconcerthall.com.au/11955/11969
The Darlington Quartet kick off the Soirée Series, which offers a rare opportunity to experience exclusive events in the Green Room of Government House.
- Dates:Apr 18
- Time(s):4pm
- Venue:Government House Green Room
Details
- Ticket Price:$110
- Music:Classical,String Quartet
- Hosted By:Music on the Terrace
- Event Venue:Government House Ballroom
Description
The Darlington Quartet is an ensemble of gifted musicians drawn from the Australian String Quartet and West Australian Symphony Orchestra. The Darlington Quartet specialises in chamber music played in intimate settings, where they are able to create a closer connection with the audience.
The players will provide wonderful insights by introducing the pieces they have chosen. These include Ravel's virtuosic string quartet No.1, which displays his endless imagination for sound and texture on a magic carpet ride of colour and fantasy. Tchaikovsky's first quartet is full of the heartfelt melodies and irresistible rhythms, including the famous slow movement, that make him such a beloved composer. The Darlington Quartet love these works because they vividly show the imaginative and expressive possibilities of the string quartet.

Konstantin Shamray
- [email protected]
- 1800 688 482
- http://musicaviva.com.au/anam-shamray
- https://musicaviva.com.au/anam-orchestra-shamray/5506/select-seats/
The beauty and emotional intensity of Russian music lies at the heart of this deeply moving program, brought to life by pianist Konstantin Shamray and the ANAM Orchestra led by Sophie Rowell.
- Dates:May 3,May 3
- Time(s):7.30pm,7.30pm
- Venue:Perth Concert Hall,Perth Concert Hall
Details
- Hosted By:Musica Viva,Musica Viva
- Music:Classical
- Produced By:Musica Viva
- Event Venue:Perth Concert Hall
Description
As a 15-year-old student nearing the end of his first year at the Vienna Conservatory, Gustav Mahler composed one movement of a piano quartet, a work that always gives the impression that something bigger is struggling to emerge. Following Mahler’s own tradition of enlarging certain chamber pieces, this program includes an orchestration of the quartet, made by the outstanding violinist Harry Ward: an ANAM alumnus and a Musica Viva FutureMaker.
Alfred Schnittke was keenly aware of his Soviet/German musical heritage, even as he stomped on it in heavy boots. Yet his piano concerto is a touching affirmation of his artistic roots, and his affection for Tchaikovsky makes the two Russians good bedfellows, the elder’s Serenade here prefaced by Estonian composer Mihkel Kerem’s Lamento, a work of searing beauty.
ANAM’s ensemble of wonderful young string players is directed with equal verve by the terrific Sophie Rowell, one of Australia’s most admired instrumentalists. They are joined onstage by Adelaide’s brilliant, Russian-trained Konstantin Shamray.