Classical Music in Perth 

A Night Out with Wolfie & the Gang explores the beauty of the classical music world whilst also, in true FRINGE WORLD form, exposing its seedy underbelly. Performed by Curate's ensemble Runs with Wolfgang, this new concert experience is the perfect combination of virtuosic musicianship and accessible storytelling. Demystifying the classical music world once and for all, we encourage you to wear your ripped jeans and Docs and leave your frills at home. From Purcellian hits to the sordid stories of King Charles II and his sex life (MATE, he had FAR too many mistresses) and Mozart bangers to sibling rivalry (who REALLY was the better musician of the family, Wolfgang?), the classical music world is really no better than an episode of Neighbours. # Presented by Curate Arts Incorporated We are a collective of local artists, musicians, designers, and all-round amazing creatives who are bringing passion projects to life. We love the weird and wonderful and everything in between. Our aim is to push the boundaries every chance we get in order to create new thoughtful and thought-provoking art with innovative artistic approaches. We don't just think 'outside the box' - the box isn't even there!

The Choral Collective is proud to present Vanguard Consort - First Impressions. 10 of WA’s most talented young singers will take you on a journey to the cutting edge of contemporary choral music, featuring some of Australia's most adventurous choral composers amongst striking music from around the world. # Venues and dates Chemistry at Girls School: Jan 21 - 23, 25 - 27 Home Economics at Girls School: Jan 29 In their first appearance at FRINGE WORLD, Vanguard Consort has selected a repertoire that will change your view of vocal music in an experience that is equal parts funny, moving and challenging. With Vanguard Consort's debut described as a "Daring debut. The repertoire was musically and technically incredibly challenging" SeeSaw Magazine, 2021, these aren't your grandma's tunes from the wireless - come and try something new. # Presented by The Choral Collective We are focused on making contemporary choral music an essential part of the cultural sector in Australia and a place where talented musicians can develop, earn, create and perform.

Enjoy classical music featured in movies and movie themes performed live to an accompanying screenshow. # Presented by St Andrew's Chuch Subiaco

WASO will take to the stage to enchant and entertain with a special repertoire which celebrates great classical, film and Australian music. Joined by Perth local, and internationally acclaimed Soprano Samantha Clarke this promises to be a truly stunning evening, and a rare opportunity to see WASO play a free outdoor concert so make sure you are there! Bring a picnic or enjoy a selection of food truck offerings from 6pm, with the concert starting at 7pm. Claremont Park is on a number of bus routes and only a short walk from Claremont train station, so we encourage you to walk, cycle, or use public transport if you can. If you do need to drive, parking is available in the Claremont Town Centre. This is a free event for the whole community. Covid-19 Please note proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required to attend this event.

Bring the family on a musical thrill-ride. Echo the Gecko sets out on a thrilling musical journey to explore the Australian outback. This fun and interactive program sees WASO’s Education Chamber Orchestra and presenter Lee Stanley bring Echo the Gecko’s story to life. Learn about the dynamic nature of an orchestra and the composers behind the music in this foot-tapping, hand-clapping musical extravaganza for the whole family!

The Rite of Spring made an explosive impact on the musical world when it premiered over a century ago. A scandalous wrench away from tradition, it shocked audiences into a riot, catapulting Stravinsky’s landmark score into infamy as one of the most revolutionary and influential of the 20th century. WASO Principal Flute Andrew Nicholson brings his distinctive elegance and poise to an exquisite piece at the heart of the French flute tradition. Schubert’s ever-popular Unfinished Symphony opens a concert not to be missed.

Laurence Jackson violin/director Birds sing, storms roll in the distance, winter fires crackle and babbling brooks flow. Vivaldi’s ode to nature and the passing of time continues to amaze and delight with its evocative imagery. Concertmaster Laurence Jackson leads his WASO colleagues in this much-loved work, along with Handel’s regal Water Music Suite. This concert is presented in accordance with the Western Australian Government’s easing of COVID-19 capacity restrictions. As a result, you may be seated with ticket holders from other households. Please continue to practise good hygiene habits and observe physical distancing where possible. We will do everything in our power to present the program listed but, as we all know, we may have to vary the repertoire or artists should Government guidelines or travel restrictions change. If that happens, we will let you know.

Come with Perth Symphony and delve into the rarely seen world of a string quartet. Usually only sited in the concert hall you will have the unique experience of observing them in their natural environment, the rehearsal room. Whilst getting to know the musicians, and their four very different personalities, they will take you on a musical journey from classical favourites to contemporary songs that will have you dancing in your seats! This 50 minute performance is full of fun, laughter, storytelling and has something for everyone to enjoy! Set list covers the likes of Mozart, Britney Spears, Queen and Nirvana and many more.

Hallelujah! A divine Easter tradition George Frideric HANDEL Messiah Joseph Nolan conductor Sara Macliver soprano Fiona Campbell mezzo-soprano Paul McMahon tenor James Clayton baritone St George’s Cathedral Consort Conductor Joseph Nolan leads WASO, St George’s Cathedral Consort and acclaimed soloists in a soul-stirring performance of one of the best-loved choral works of all time. Handel’s Messiah depicts Christ’s birth, passion and resurrection through timeless and inspiring music. With its joyous arias and rousing choruses, including the famous ‘Hallelujah Chorus’, Handel’s Messiah is the perfect concert tradition to be shared by all at Easter. Presented in collaboration with St George’s Cathedral.

Tasmanian Baroque ensemble Van Diemen’s Band invites you to explore the historic borderlands of Europe on their national tour with Musica Viva Australia. For centuries, generations ofmusicians wrote dances and masses, symphonies and quartets, as their homelands changed ownership under their feet. Or their nations remained steadfast, allowing the most magical cultural overlaps at the border fringes. Through composers such as Samuel Scheidt and Dietrich Becker, you will hear the trials of battle – loss, regret, resentment – and, at long last, healing. Listen to composers who were touched by the Thirty Years’ War within the Holy Roman Empire, their countries crumbling around them. María Huld Markan Sigfúsdóttir (Iceland) and Donald Nicolson (Australia) are living composers who will bring you closer to our time. Just as Van Diemen’s Band invites instrumental guests from across Australia’s state borders, these composers remind us how we’re still united through music – no matter what borders lie between us.

Mendelssohn’s Third Symphony is a brooding work of orchestral colour, inspired by the misty magnificence of the rolling Scottish landscape. Making his WASO debut, former Sydney Symphony Orchestra Principal Cellist Umberto Clerici has established himself as a fast-rising star of the conducting world.

Mendelssohn’s Third Symphony is a brooding work of orchestral colour, inspired by the ruins of Holyrood Chapel and the misty magnificence of the rolling Scottish landscape. Opening with the exuberant overture to Berlioz’s comic opera, we then unleash Perth’s own ‘Rock Star of the Clarinet’ Ashley Smith in Weber’s ever-popular concerto. Making his WASO debut, former Sydney Symphony Orchestra Principal Cellist Umberto Clerici has established himself as a fast-rising star of the conducting world.

The WASO Chorus return to the magnificent acoustics of St Mary’s Cathedral to perform Cherubini’s Requiem in C minor. This ethereal, highly dramatic and ultimately transcendent work was revered by Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Berlioz and Beethoven. In a special transcription by Andrew Foote for Chorus and Organ, the WASO Chorus gives this magnificent work a new lease of life. “If I were to write a Requiem, Cherubini’s would be my only model.” – Ludwig van Beethoven

Leon is a dreamer, a budding magician, and he’s about to take you on a mysterious adventure. The pages of Angela McAllister’s magical story explode onto the stage with a thrilling musical setting from Paul Rissmann that also brings Grahame Baker-Smith’s breathtaking illustrations to life on screen. This dynamic concert for the whole family features Leon’s adventure alongside other bite-sized pieces of magical music from Coleridge-Taylor, Rimsky-Korsakov, John Williams and Brahms.

Brahms’ stirring variations effortlessly and joyfully blends together the clarity and purity of Haydn’s Classical style with his own richly-textured orchestral sound. Short it may be, but Beethoven packs an astonishing amount of invention, technique and sheer imagination into his “Haydnesque” Eighth Symphony, which endlessly delights and surprises. Asher Fisch appears courtesy of Wesfarmers Arts.