Classical music in Perth is alive and kicking! The just-announced 2018 seasons by WASO, WA Opera and Perth Festival are more diverse than ever, covering the full-spectrum of classics through to innovative, contemporary and collaboration performances. Smaller companies such as Lost & Found and Freeze Frame Opera are challenging the boundaries of the genre with bespoke independent concerts. With performances on many of Perth’s main stages most weeks, there’s never been a better time to get into this burgeoning scene.
Top 5 in December
WASO Symphony in the City
Dec 16 (Saturday), 7:30pm
Langley Park
In two weeks WASO hosts the 11th free Symphony in the City, a family favourite starting at 7:30pm right on the edge of the Swan River. This year's lineup includes violin duo Laurence Jackson and Zak Rowntree performing Bach's Double Violin Concerto and internationally acclaimed tenor singer and WAAPA alum Paul O'Neill giving a stunning rendition of opera classic Nessun Dorma. For some hot tips on how to make the most of this amazing event, click through to here.
Broadway to La Scala
Dec 9 (Saturday)
Perth Concert Hall
Grand opera and musical classics come alive in the extravagant and exciting new stage show performed by renowned tenor David Hobson, bass baritone legend Teddy Tahu Rhodes, musical theatre star Lisa McCune and soprano Greta Bradman. Featuring music spanning Puccini to Gershwin, Verdi to Rodgers and Hammerstein, this is one performance that won’t disappoint.
Christmas with The Idea of North & WASO
Dec 8 (Friday)
Perth Concert Hall
Multi-ARIA award winners Idea of North team up with WASO for a Christmas show with a difference as they perform old favourites, jazz classics, folk songs and classical pieces. Bring in the festive season the right way and get your tickets now.
Vasse Felix Sounds & Sense Festival
Dec 8-10 (Friday-Sunday)
Vasse Felix Estate, Margaret River
A festival celebration of music, wine and culinary delights set in the stunning surroundings of Vasse Felix Estate. The ACO Collective will serenade visitors over the three days of the festival, so grab your tickets for the ultimate outdoor classical experience.
Asher Fisch conducts A Hero’s Life
Dec 1-2 (Friday-Saturday)
Perth Concert Hall
Strauss’ epic A Hero’s Life is performed in all its glory by WASO under the baton of conductor Asher Fisch. Also featuring Brahms’ Schicksalslied and Gesang der Parzen, as well as Dorman’s After Brahms, this is one classical smorgasbord you won’t want to miss.
Eskimo Joe with WASO
Feb 23 & 25
Perth Concert Hall
WA band Eskimo Joe combine with classical music powerhouse WASO to develop this once-in-a-lifestime concert that will see the group backed by the esteemed orchestra. Australian arrangers including Lachlan Skipworth have worked closely with the band to reimagine their music to work with a full symphony orchestra. This is a classical pop fusion like you’ve never experienced before.
Ravel’s Boléro & Two Pianos
May 11 & 12
Perth Concert Hall
Pieces by Stravinsky and Prokofiev bookend this world premiere of Carl Vine’s Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra and Ravel’s high-energy masterpiece Boléro. This is a spectacle not to be missed, as two pianos on stage are accompanied by a full orchestra to make this an unforgettable performance. One for classical music lovers looking for something a little bit special.
A Night in Vienna
Jun 15 &16
Perth Concert Hall
Violin player Alexandre Da Costa violin makes his WASO debut at this concert celebrating the glittering exuberance of Vienna. Featuring well-known waltzes and some of the most charming classical music ever written from Strauss and Kreisler, this is one event that will transport you away to foreign shores for the night.
Star Wars: A New Hope – In Concert
Sep 28 & 29
Riverside Theatre, PCEC
Star Wars fans and movie buffs alike will revel in this opportunity to catch the original 1977 film screened with WASO playing John Williams’ epic score live on stage. Not just one for movie fans, classical music enthusiasts will also enjoy this incredible performance from one of WA’s most renowned ensembles. Tickets are on sale NOW so get them before they sell out.
The Best of Bernstein
Jun 29 & 30
Perth Concert Hall
Grab your friends and go breezin’ down Broadway at this musical extravaganza packed with the best of Bernstein’s works for screen and stage. 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of this prolific composers birth, so what better way to wish him a good one than with the talented musicians of WASO taking on some of his most famous music.
WA Opera
Carmen
Jul 21-28
His Majesty’s Theatre
Opera is renowned for its fabulous costumes, epic tales and incredible music and Bizet’s greatest opera really is the ultimate showstopper. WA Opera take on this heart-racing drama of passion as Carmen draws Don Jose into her wild world. This is the perfect event for the first time opera goer; expect grand sets, great design and sublime voices!
Opera in the Park: La Bohème
Feb 3
Supreme Court Gardens
This free event is perfect for classical music lovers looking to grab their opera fix. The outdoor setting makes the most of Perth’s lush green spaces as the backdrop for Puccini’s epic tale of love and loss. Emotional, heart-wrenching and utterly compelling, this is opera at its best.
The Cunning Little Vixen
Apr 21-28
His Majesty’s Theatre
One for the family, this is the first time the passionate and vibrant music of Janáček comes to WA Opera with The Cunning Little Vixen. A beautifully touching tale of the vixen, Sharp Ears, and her encounters with the other animals and humans in the forest. Family packages offering 4 tickets for $160 make this enchanting experience the perfect way to introduce kids to WA Opera.
Don Giovanni
Oct 20-27
His Majesty’s Theatre
This thunderous and dramatic tale is one of the most renowned operas in the world. Mozart’s sublime music combines with the incredible institution that is WA Opera to create this epic performance of seduction, power and desire. One for hardcore opera fans, this really isn’t to be missed.
ACO Underground
Feb 23
Astor Theatre
It’s chamber music but not as you know it. Led by violinist and singer Satu Vänskä, the ACO is joined Violent Femmes bassist Brian Ritchie and Midnight Oil guitarist Jim Moginie for a night of contemporary music. This unexpected sonic exploration unites composers as diverse as Bach, Kurt Cobain, Ravel, Nick Drake, Locatelli, Richard Tognetti and Pete Seeger with a thrilling inventiveness that makes an ethereal hymn sound like a pop song or heavy metal sound like it was written in the 17th Century.
Jordi Savall & Andrew Lawrence-King
Feb 18
Government House Ballroom
For classical music adventurers looking for something a little different to the norm, the Grammy Award winning Jordi Savall joins Grammy Award-winning English harpist Andrew Lawrence-King in the intimate surrounds of Government House. Expect a concert filled with enchanting musical explorations of their ancient instruments, offset with a sense of reverence and fun.
Jean-Efflam Bavouzet
Feb 24
Government House Ballroom
One that really will delight classical music fans is charismatic French pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet. This one-off show pays homage to the genius of Claude Debussy to mark the centenary year of the beloved composer’s death. Don’t be put off by the four-hour run time, this is going to be worth every minute to see this classical genius at work in the stunning surrounds of Government House Ballroom.
From Russia with Love
Swan Lake
Jun 7-13
His Majesty's Theatre
The classic ballet Swan Lake comes to Perth in a stunning performance from the renowned St Petersburg Ballet Theatre and prima ballerina Irina Kolesnikova. Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s incredible music set against this exquisite performance.
Moscow Ballet La Classique’s The Nutcracker
Mar 18
Albany Entertainment Centre
Moscow Ballet la Classique present Tchaikovsky’s spectacular masterpiece The Nutcracker. This beautiful tale of the frost-covered, gas lit world of Clara, her beloved nutcracker doll and the magician Drosselmeyer is the perfect event for all the family to enjoy incredible choreography, stunning costumes and beautiful music.