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WA Symphony returns to Albany & Esperance in September to launch three years of regional tours

Headshot of David Cusworth
David CusworthThe West Australian
WA Symphony Orchestra will return to Albany and Esperance in September to launch a three-year regional tour program supported by the State Government.
Camera IconWA Symphony Orchestra will return to Albany and Esperance in September to launch a three-year regional tour program supported by the State Government.

WA Symphony Orchestra returns to Albany and Esperance in September to launch three years of regional tours supported by the State Government.

Tickets go on sale this week for the program, Sibelius and Brahms, featuring young violin soloist Grace Clifford and principal conductor Asher Fisch, with a 70-piece orchestra.

WASO will tour to the regions through 2021-23 supported by a $1.6 million commitment from the State Government through Playing WA, an initiative of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries’ Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program.

Grace Clifford.
Camera IconGrace Clifford. Credit: Anthony Browell

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“We are grateful to the WA Government whose long-term commitment allows us to deliver unforgettable musical experiences across the State, continuing our mission to touch souls and enrich lives through music,” Evan Kennea, WASO’s executive manager for artistic planning, said.

WASO last toured to the south coast in 2019 with a concerto written by Perth Festival director Iain Grandage, whose parents live in Albany, and played by cor anglais principal Leanne Glover, whose parents are in Mt Barker.

Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis opened the concert and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” conclude it.

This year’s program follows a similar format, with Faure’s Pavane as curtain raiser and Clifford playing Sibelius’ Violin Concerto to follow. Brahms’ Symphony No.1 concludes the program. There will also be free ensemble performances and open rehearsals, and workshops for schools and community groups. Pre-concert talks will bring community members closer to the orchestra.

Asher Fisch conducts WA Symphony Orchestra.
Camera IconAsher Fisch conducts WA Symphony Orchestra. Credit: Linda Dunjey

The concerts are at Esperance Civic Centre on Thursday, September 2, at 7.30pm; then Albany Entertainment Centre on Saturday, September 4, at 7.30pm, and Sunday, September 5, at 2pm.

Tickets are on sale through Albany Entertainment Centre, Esperance Civic Centre, and waso.com.au.

The orchestra will visit Geraldton and Kalgoorlie in 2022, and Karratha and Bunbury in 2023.

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