Classical Music in Perth 

Praised by ABC Classic for possessing a ‘pure, pitch perfect, silvery soprano’ that’s ‘instantly recognisable’, acclaimed soprano Sara Mcliver will return to the Perth stage for Musica Viva. Alongside her in this Baroque spectacle is renowned organist and director Joseph Nolan, the St George’s Cathedral Consort, and trumpeter Jenny Coleman.

British-Australian organist and choral conductor Nolan opens the programme with Bach’s virtuosic organ showpiece ‘Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV565’. Praised by Gramophone magazine for his ‘towering technique, vivid virtuosity and inspired interpretive insight’, he’s built a formidable reputation as a recording artist, producing over ten solo discs for Signum Records. Acclaimed Soprano Sara Mcliver will then join the stage for a range of vocal showpieces, demonstrating why she’s earned a reputation as one of the leading exponents of Baroque performance. Both will be supported by the St George’s Cathedral Consort, recognised as Western Australia’s premier mixed-voice choir.

Since Handel’s music was embraced by the upper echelons of British society in the eighteenth century, his music has scored the grandest celebrations, unifying audiences in its power to elevate and inspire. Among a rich catalogue of masterpieces, his ‘Eternal Source of Light Divine’ is regarded as one of his most inspired works, with its pristine vocal melody, accompanying sustained chords, and glistening trumpet obbligato creating a moment of ravishing beauty. Paired with the power of Bach, and serene selections from Renaissance masters, we welcome you to reconnect with live chamber music, in a programme of music that will inspire and uplift.

Gather your friends and family and please join us for Carols by Candlelight at the Redemptorist Monastery in North Perth. Experience the magic of Christmas with beautiful choral Christmas music sung by Perth Symphonic Chorus, community carols accompanied by a spectacular brass quintet, and children reading heart-warming Australian Christmas stories and poems.

As a special treat, our chamber choir will be singing Britten’s exquisite Ceremony of Carols, accompanied by talented harpist Eliza Bourgault.

Join us at interval for drinks and Christmas nibbles in the historic ambience of the wonderful heritage listed Redemptorist Monastery.

Saturday 5th December 2020 at 7:30pm
Sunday 6th December 2020 at 7:30pm

Redemptorist Monastery Church,190 Vincent St, North Perth
Tickets $10-$39 at trybooking.com/BMMYP

On 9 December, don’t miss a special Brass on the Grass hosted by the City of Perth and East Perth Community Group.

For many concert-goers Christmas is not complete without hearing a performance of Handel’s Messiah.  Directed by Perth’s pre-eminent choral director Dr Margaret Pride OAM, acclaimed WA soloists, Sara Macliver, Fiona Campbell, Paul O’Neill and James Clayton will bring this work to life with outstanding virtuosity and musicianship.  

Handel’s real genius, however, is revealed in the great and exhilarating choruses sung to perfection by the Perth Symphonic Chorus and accompanied by the nationally recognised Perth Baroque Orchestra led by virtuoso violinist Paul Wright.

The sombre and hushed beauty of choruses like Since By Man Came Death are juxtaposed with the grandeur and impact of the climactic moments in the Hallelujah chorus and the final extended and thrilling Amen chorus.  

It is without doubt one of the greatest oratorios ever written.

Saturday 19th December 2020 at 7:30 - 10:10pm at Perth Concert Hall

Tickets: $20-$95 at https://www.perthconcerthall.com.au or call 08 9231 9999

One of the major music influencers of his generation, piano pop sensation Ben Folds delivers a cavalcade of hits, like 'Landed', 'Capable of Anything', and 'Luckiest' fifteen years after his first ever orchestral concert right here in Perth.

The multi-platinum-selling artist has since released numerous collaboration records, and created music for film, TV and a Billboard chart-topping piano concerto. Folds, who currently serves as the first ever Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, just recently released his first book, a memoir entitled 'A Dream About Lightning Bugs', described as a collection of interrelated essays and anecdotes about art, life, and music. He’s also currently touring Australia on a book promotion tour.

But there is no better way to experience one of the modern world’s most distinctive singer-songwriters than with the full power of WASO!

The winner of the BBC Young Musician award in 2016, and now one of the brightest stars in classical music, the brilliant cellist is also one of seven siblings, all instrumentalists, who have been described by Simon Cowell as the world’s most talented family.

On this, the first Australian tour by Sheku and the Kanneh-Masons, he will be joined by his sister Isata, now one of Britain’s leading young pianists, in a performance of greatly loved sonatas for cello and piano, and by the entire family in a programme of works by Chopin, Mozart, Saint Saëns, Fauré, Elgar and other popular composers.

The Kanneh-Masons are Isata, 23 (piano), Braimah, 21 (violin), Sheku, 20 (cello), Konya, 18 (piano and violin), Jeneba, 16 (piano and cello), Aminita, 13 (violin and piano), and Mariatu, 9 (cello and piano).